Wines Santa Maria Valley Etude - North Canyon Vineyard - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Etude’s 2020 Cuvée North Canyon Vineyard hails from the renowned Santa Maria Valley AVA in California, a region celebrated for its elegance and refined reds. This red cuvée, crafted as a dry wine, showcases the distinct qualities of its terroir—marked by a cool, maritime-influenced climate and sandy loam soils that allow for slow, even grape ripening. The North Canyon Vineyard, from which the fruit is sourced, benefits from coastal fog and steady breezes, encouraging preservation of vibrant acidity and deep aromatics in the wine. While the label does not specify the varietal blend, Santa Maria Valley is distinguished for expressive Pinot Noir and increasingly complex Syrah and Bordeaux varieties, likely reflected in this cuvée. Vinification at Etude is meticulous, emphasizing gentle extraction, native yeast fermentation, and judicious oak aging to heighten the wine’s natural character.

Santa Maria Valley is one of California’s most historic AVAs, recognized as the state’s second-oldest appellation. Its east-west orientation funnels Pacific fog and breezes deep inland, resulting in longer growing seasons and complexity in the finished wines. The unique combination of ancient marine soils and cool climate creates an ideal setting for layered, vibrant reds with both perfume and structure. Etude, long respected for its focus on site expression and minimal intervention, is emblematic of this region’s commitment to quality.

For food pairings, this supple and balanced red will shine with grilled duck breast, pan-seared salmon, or slow-roasted pork loin, dishes that echo the wine’s subtle spice and ripe fruit notes. Traditional Californian fare—such as tri-tip steak with Santa Maria-style seasoning or local mushrooms—will echo the wine’s earthiness and depth. Try also pairing with herb-roasted vegetables or wild mushroom risotto, playing on the natural harmony of the wine’s acidity and fruit profile.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Etude’s 2020 Cuvée North Canyon Vineyard at a temperature of 15-16°C. A brief decantation of around 30 minutes will further reveal its aromatic complexity and supple tannins. This is a wine capable of evolving beautifully over the next few years, but already showing great promise for pleasure today.