01 May Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Riverbench 2022 Pinot Meunier Nouveau, Santa Maria Valley

The vibrant cherry-red color caught my eye. The grape varietal piqued my interest. I then took a sip and I was hooked. This beautiful, enjoyable, easy-going wine is perfect for a sunny, spring day. That is why the Riverbench 2022 Pinot Meunier Nouveau, Santa Maria Valley is the Please The Palate wine of the week.

About Riverbench

Established in 1973, Riverbench is located on the Santa Maria Bench, on the bank of the Sisquoc River, and was planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In 2005, three local Santa Maria families purchased the property and in 2006 they produced their first wine. In 2008, Riverbench committed themselves to producing a premium sparkling wine program and in 2015 they added Pinot Meunier, the third grape of Champagne, to the vineyard.

Today there are 2.83 acres of Pinot Meunier planted on the property. And in 2019 they released the first Santa Barbara sparkling Pinot Meunier. Then in 2021, they released their first still vintage of Pinot Meunier and now the second vintage, the 2022, is available.

Tasting Notes

The Pinot Meunier is made like a Beaujolais Nouveau. The wine undergoes 100% carbonic fermentation for 2-3 weeks and is then pressed and put in neutral oak for nine months. The wine has bright aromas of brambly, cherry, raspberry, cranberry, and blackcurrant, as well as earth and brown spice notes. On the palate, the wine has vibrant and juicy acidity, as well as silky, drying tannins which add depth to the wine.

Food Pairing

The Riverbench Pinot Meunier Nouveau is an easy-going wine that can be served with a chill. It is a perfect spring, or summer, wine to enjoy with an outdoor barbecue. The wine has the acidity, tannins and texture to pair with salads and meats but the juicy acidity makes it enjoyable all on its own.

Where to Purchase

Only 94 cases of the 2022 Riverbench Pinot Meunier was made. The wine retails for $36 and is available on the Riverbench website.