Wente Vineyards Launches Riva Ranch Pinot Noir

LIVERMORE, CA--(Marketwired - Feb 18, 2015) - Wente Vineyards, the oldest, continuously-operated family-owned winery in America, announces the launch of its single vineyard Riva Ranch Pinot Noir. The Riva Vineyard, located at the mouth of the Arroyo Seco River Canyon, was Arroyo Seco's first vineyard planting in 1963, and the 2012 Pinot Noir joins the Riva Ranch Chardonnay in the single vineyard wine series. It is the second wine to come from this single vineyard among the family's portfolio of wines.

"The Riva Ranch Vineyard is a special place to my family," says Fifth Generation Winegrower Karl Wente. "My grandfather, third generation winegrower Karl L. Wente, discovered this rugged region nearly five decades ago. He recognized the region's short days, cool nights and foggy mornings were ideally suited to growing cool-climate grapes such as Pinot Noir."

The initial vineyard purchased in 1963 was approximately 350 acres. As of 2014, it comprises nearly 1,000 acres of a wide variety of grapes, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah and Viognier.

"My goal as a winegrower is to make a Pinot Noir with bright, natural acidity and delicate tannins," notes Karl. "I'm privileged to have the opportunity to pay homage to my grandfather's legacy by producing single vineyard wines from the Riva Ranch. It is truly a unique place in Monterey County, California."

Wente Vineyard farms eight clones of Pinot Noir and six clones of Chardonnay at the Riva Ranch, with each offering different flavors, textures and aromatics to the wine. The Riva Ranch Pinot Noir ($30) is available for purchase in restaurants and fine wine retailers through the country.

About Wente Family Estates
Wente Family Estates is comprised of Wente Vineyards, Double Decker, Murrieta's Well, entwine and Hayes Ranch brands; it is owned and operated by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. Wente Family Estates' wines are sold in all 50 states and in over 70 countries worldwide. In 2010, the company received certification for its sustainability efforts with the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing designation and a top 30 wine company by Wine Business Monthly. In 2011, Wente Family Estates was awarded American Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. The year 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of the Wente family bringing Chardonnay cuttings to California. Today, the Wente clone of Chardonnay is the most widely planted in California. This year, the winery celebrates its 130th vintage. All of the wines within the Wente Family Estates portfolio are handcrafted by Fifth Generation Winemaker Karl D. Wente. For more information, visit www.wentefamilyestates.com.