The more I read about District 7 wines the more impressed and curious to taste the wines I became. Some of the qualities that attracted me include: family ownership, certified sustainable vineyards and winery, 100% estate vineyards, a commitment to renewable energy and community support. Today we’re sharing four wines from District 7 that we received as tasting samples.
District 7 wines are made by Scheid Family Wines. The Scheid family has been farming wine grapes in Monterey County since 1972. What started as a limited partnership and a “tax shelter vehicle”, according to the Scheid Vineyards’ website, has become a family-owned enterprise that tends 11 vineyards certified sustainable by California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) and operates a state-of-the-art winery that is powered entirely by renewable wind energy. The winery is also CSWA certified. Each District 7 wine bottle proudly displays the certified sustainable, 100% powered by wind and Scheid Family Wines logos.
Scheid Vineyards winery and estate vineyard are located in Monterey County, identified as District 7 of California’s Wine Growing Districts, which was the inspiration for the District 7 name. The Monterey AVA stretches from nearly one end of Monterey County to the other. Its most northern point is north of Monterey Bay and its southern border ends at the Paso Robles AVA. Eight smaller AVAs have been designated within this large and diverse region.
All four wines we are tasting today are 100% varietal wines. Rather than blend other varieties with the labeled variety to build complexity, these District 7 wines rely on different vineyard site to provide complexity.
2019 District 7 Sauvignon Blanc, Monterey, California — pale yellow in the glass with generous aromas of cut grass, lemongrass and green melon. Flavors are predominantly tropical with ripe melon, pear and pineapple along with grassy notes in the background all balanced with nice acidity. 13.5% abv. SRP $18
This Sauvignon Blanc is easy sipping with a nice balance of flavors between tropical and grassy. Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from five estate vineyards. Brisk, windy conditions in the more northern vineyards lend herbal notes while warmer, sunny conditions further south contribute fruity flavors. Winemaking took place in stainless steel.
2018 District 7 Chardonnay, Monterey, California — light golden in the glass with aromas of sweet vanilla, toast and ripe stone fruit. Ripe fruit flavors of pears and citrus finish with flavors of oak. The wine is a bit round with nice acidity and a citrus pith finish. 13.5% abv. SRP $18
Pair this Chardonnay with appetizers or a meal. Chardonnay is sourced from windy, foggy sites planted on well-draining bluffs, benches and hillsides. The grapes were sorted, crushed and fermented in small lots before aging 70% in stainless steel and 30% French oak (30% new) for 10 months.
2018 District 7 Pinot Noir, Monterey, California — translucent ruby in the glass with generous aromas of blackberries and black cherries. Flavors Tend more toward red cherries along with blackberries, raspberries, berry bramble and earth. Tannins are smooth in a medium body with a medium finish. 13.5% abv. SRP $18
Easily identifiable as Pinot Noir and easy sipping. All vineyard sites are located in the northern benches of Monterey’s Salinas Valley where the conditions are windy, cool and foggy. Fermentation takes place in open-top fermenters with regular punch downs. The wine was aged with French oak, a combination of new (25%) for 12 months.
2018 District 7 Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey, California — medium ruby in the glass with generous aromas of plums, blackberries and dried herbs. Flavors lead with blackberries, blueberries and plums backed by dusty earth and dried herbs. Tannins are smooth and drying in a medium body with a medium finish. 13.5% abv. SRP $20
This Cabernet is easy sipping and as friendly a pairing for a burger or pizza as it would be pot roast and vegetables. Two vineyard sites are located in the southern portion of Monterey County where the days are warm, but the nights are very cool. Fermentation took place in small lots with gentle handling and minimal intervention in the cellar. Aging included French, American and Hungarian oak for 10 months, 30% new.
These wines offer very good quality for the price. They are drink-now wines perfect for weeknight meals.
Thanks to Calhoun & Company Communications for the introduction to District 7 wines.
Cheers!
