Ana Keller, of Sonoma’s Keller Estate Winery, gave a passionate presentation on the unique characteristics of her chardonnays and pinot noirs at a recent winemaker’s dinner at Belga Restaurant in San Francisco. After a welcome glass of bubbly 2010 Keller Estate “Brut” perfectly paired with fresh oysters on the half shell, and crudité with hummus dip, the owner/winemaker, trained as a biochemist, introduced an array of her exquisite wines, all derived from the estate’s vineyards and produced at the winery, designed specifically for gravity flow winemaking.
“All flavors are in the skins of grapes,” said Ana Keller, explaining the climate conditions (windy, hardening the skins) of Petaluma Gap, where the Keller Estate vineyards are planted, and her method of extracting those flavors with the utmost benefit for the final product.
“The terroir at Keller Estate is defined by two major maritime influences,” she said, “the San Pablo Bay to the south; and to the northwest a ‘gap’ in the coastal hills which starts at Bodega Bay, and lets the fog from the Pacific into the Petaluma Valley.” Long and cool growing season, ideal for chardonnay and pinot noir, and the successful winemaking techniques implemented at the winery, contribute to the consistently well-balanced, complex and elegant wines with the Keller Estate label, in existence since the year 2000.
This reviewer was especially impressed with 2014 Keller Estate “Oro de Plata” chardonnay, that made an enticing match for Belga’s steamed mussels as well as for grilled salmon with charred broccoli and lemon.
“'Oro de Plata' means 'gold to silver',” explained Ana. “It’s a less traditional chardonnay, fermented in steel, which gives it more acidity and minerality.”
Another chardonnay, presented that night, was surely equally delightful, though intended for more traditional tastes, with characteristic light buttery feel and barrel-infused aroma. 2013 Keller Estate “La Cruz”chardonnay came from the very first family vineyard, La Cruz, planted back in 1989 by Ana’s parents, Arturo and Deborah Keller.
Pinot noir grapes are grown by the Keller family since 1999, and 2013 Keller Estate “La Cruz Vineyard” pinot noir and 2013 Keller Estate “El Coro”pinot noir as well as an excellent red blend 2013 Keller Estate “Rotie”were all a welcome addition to the elaborate dinner menu at Belga that included special delicacies like roasted chicken with wilted kale, candied carrots and garlic jus, and for dessert – vanilla pot de crème with strawberry compote.
Keller Estate Winery, located in one of the most beautiful places in Northern California, has an extensive calendar of events open to the public throughout the year.
For Mother’s Day Brunch, the winery invites its guests to “pamper Mom and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on our terrace as you take delight in our delicious food and wine 3 course brunch.” Reservations must be booked by noon May 10 and paid in advance. $75 per person. Children's menu $25 per child. Club member discounts apply. More information at: www.kellerestate.com.
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