After learning the trade from Charles Krug, CH Wente founded his winery in 1883. He quickly learned that the warm days, cool nights, and gravelly soil of the Livermore Valley provided an ideal environment for winemaking. So, he purchased nearly fifty acres of land and planted vines. In 1918, Wente received support from his sons, Ernest and Herman. Herman would manage the vineyards, and Ernest would devote himself to winemaking. Ernest's only son, Karl, took over the business, and in 1977, it was taken over again by Karl's youngest son. This makes Wente the oldest winery continuously managed by the same family. Since then, the estate has grown to two thousand acres in the Livermore Valley and San Francisco Bay Area. The family business also manages another eight hundred acres in Arroyo Seco and Monterey.
The Riva Ranch Pinot Noir is sourced exclusively from the vineyard in Arroyo Seco, Monterey. Arroyo Seco is the ideal region for growing this Burgundian varietal due to its long, cool growing season, allowing the grapes to fully ripen and develop deep fruit flavors. The gravelly loam soils found here, rich in slate and limestone deposits, give the wine the desired earthy and mineral qualities. The aroma is irresistible, with aromas of black cherry, cranberry, and crisp red apples, along with notes of black tea, spices, and coriander. The palate is a delight, rich with abundant soft tannins. A beautiful acidity, the hallmark of a perfect Pinot Noir, and full flavors and thick aromas complete this Wente wine.
