Wines Sonoma Coast Foppiano - Red Wine Blend - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Foppiano’s 2023 Sonoma Coast Cuvée Red Wine Blend is a captivating expression of the California North Coast, crafted in one of the most renowned AVAs for balanced, cool-climate reds. As a blend, this wine combines classic varietals typical to the Sonoma Coast, most likely including Pinot Noir, Syrah, and perhaps some Zinfandel or Merlot, though the precise blend is a house secret. The 2023 vintage benefitted from a mild season, allowing the grapes to mature slowly and develop complex aromas. Winemaking at Foppiano respects tradition, favoring gentle extraction and careful barrel aging, which preserves the vibrancy of the fruit along with subtle spicy undertones.

The Sonoma Coast AVA is celebrated for its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which brings persistent fog, cool breezes, and significant diurnal temperature shifts. These coastal influences slow ripening, enhance natural acidity, and allow wines greater aromatic nuance. The region’s soils—a mix of loam, sand, and gravel—provide excellent drainage, further promoting vine health. Historically, Sonoma Coast has been admired for its quality-driven, family-run wineries and its focus on varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but red blends from the area are gaining attention for their depth and versatility.

This supple red blend works beautifully with a variety of dishes, thanks to its ripe fruit and balanced structure. Try it with grilled lamb chops, roasted duck, or a classic Sonoma-style tri-tip. For a regional touch, Sonoma cheese board featuring aged gouda or creamy cow’s milk cheeses is a perfect match. Mushroom risotto, lentil stew, or even hearty ratatouille will also flatter this wine’s generous fruit and gentle spice.

For the best tasting experience, serve Foppiano’s Cuvée Red at 16-18°C. Open the bottle about 30 minutes before serving to let the aromas unfold. This wine can be enjoyed now for its freshness, but will also develop nicely with a year or two in bottle.