Lime Kiln Valley

Lime Kiln Valley is a sub-region in Cienega Valley, USA.

Mourvèdre leads the plantings, with Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Pfeffer and Pinot Noir, plus one more alongside it.

Vines root into decomposed granite, granite and limestone.

The climate is mediterranean, running wide diurnal swing.

The vineyards themselves read as mountains.

Red wine and dry white wine is what the region is known for, and in the glass it shows fresh and crisp, vibrant acidity and balancing the fruit and alcohol.

Producers worth knowing include Enz Vineyard.

Pour them alongside grilled meats, rich pasta dishes and hearty stews.

Serve at 15 to 18°C.

Keeps for 5 to 10 years.

In the glass.

Dry white: Fresh and crisp, Vibrant acidity, Balancing the fruit and alcohol.

Grapes planted here.

Producers worth knowing.

Bottles to look for.

• Bedrock Wine Co. Enz Vineyard Cabernet Pfeffer, Lime Kiln Valley, USA
• Benevolent Neglect Zinfandel, Lime Kiln Valley, USA
• Birichino 'Mr Natural' Old Vine Mourvedre, Lime Kiln Valley, USA
• Birichino Enz Vineyard Cabernet Pfeffer, Lime Kiln Valley, USA
• Birichino Enz Vineyard Old Vines Mourvedre, Lime Kiln Valley, USA
• Birichino Enz Vineyard Old Vines Zinfandel, Lime Kiln Valley, USA
• Birichino Enz Vineyard Pinot Noir, Lime Kiln Valley, USA
• Broc Cellars 'SOGI' Cabernet Pfeffer, Lime Kiln Valley, USA

At the table.

• Grilled meats
• Rich pasta dishes
• Hearty stews

Serving and cellaring.

• Serve at 15 to 18°C.
• Keeps for 5 to 10 years.

Nearby regions.

Lime Kiln Valley: common questions

More from here: every wine region in USA, or the wider Cienega Valley guide.