Calera
History and Background
Calera Wine Company, founded by Josh Jensen in 1975, is a pioneering winery in California's Central Coast. Known for its exceptional Pinot Noir, the estate's wines are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and expression of the limestone-rich soils of Mt. Harlan.
Vineyards and Terroir
Calera's vineyards are situated in the Central Coast region of California, specifically in the Mount Harlan AVA, covering approximately 85 acres:
Soil Composition: The vineyards feature limestone soils, which are rare in California and contribute to the unique minerality of the wines.
Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Pinot Noir, producing wines that are renowned for their elegance and complexity, as well as Chardonnay and Viognier.
Wine Style and Production
Calera’s wines are renowned for their sophistication and layered complexity, showcasing prominent flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and spice, accompanied by aromatic notes of tobacco and cedar. The balanced acidity contributes to the freshness, while the well-integrated firm tannins enable the wines to age gracefully, enhancing their appeal for collectors and enthusiasts.
Calera is dedicated to authentically reflecting the distinct characteristics of its vineyards, adhering to a philosophy that marries traditional practices with innovative techniques. The winery prioritizes sustainable and organic farming methods, which include meticulous attention to vineyard practices such as hand-harvesting and selective green harvesting. This approach ensures that only the best quality grapes are used, fostering a natural expression of the terroir.
Reputation
Calera is a well-respected wine producer in California, renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir. Established by Josh Jensen in 1975, it stands out due to its location on the limestone-rich slopes of Mount Harlan, which is a key factor contributing to the distinctiveness of its wines. Jensen chose this area specifically for its limestone soil, mirroring the terroir of Burgundy, France, which is known for producing some of the best Pinot Noirs in the world.
Calera’s approach to wine-making emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the unique qualities of their vineyard terroir to shine through in the wine. This philosophy helps produce pure, expressive wines that are highly valued by enthusiasts and experts alike. The vineyard's high elevation also contributes to a longer growing season, which affords the grapes more time to develop depth and complexity.
Additionally, Calera has gained a reputation for its meticulous attention to detail throughout the wine production process, from hand-sorting grapes to using gravity flow systems to minimize handling and preserve the integrity of the wine. This careful, hands-on approach is another reason why Calera is considered a top-tier wine producer. Their wines, particularly the single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, consistently receive high praise and critical acclaim for their quality and distinctiveness, making Calera a prestigious name in the California wine industry.
Final Thoughts
Calera is a distinguished name in the American wine industry, particularly celebrated for its role in pioneering and perfecting Pinot Noir in California’s Central Coast. Founded by Josh Jensen in 1975, Calera stands out due to its meticulous approach to selecting limestone-rich soils, which Jensen believed were essential for growing excellent Pinot Noir, inspired by his experiences in Burgundy. The winery's location on the slopes of Mount Harlan, a challenging environment with high elevation, yields grapes of exceptional character and complexity. Calera's wines consistently garner acclaim for their depth, purity, and finesse, with the vineyard itself achieving organic certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainable viticulture. A testament to its quality and innovation, Calera was instrumental in establishing the Mount Harlan AVA, underlining its influence and leadership in the development of Californian wine. The winery’s dedication to terroir-driven, site-specific winemaking continues to set it apart as a leader in the production of world-class Pinot Noir.