Antica Terra 'Exquisite Corpse' Pinot Noir 2022 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
“Exquisite Corpse” represents the philosophical core of Antica Terra, an ever-evolving Pinot Noir that draws from a carefully curated selection of cool-climate vineyards across Oregon’s Willamette Valley. These sites are chosen not for uniformity, but for contrast—each contributing a distinct voice to a wine built on complexity, tension, and layered expression. The vineyards span a range of elevations and exposures, unified by marginal growing conditions that emphasize finesse over power.

The soils are equally diverse, encompassing marine sedimentary formations, volcanic basalt, and iron-rich clays, each lending its own influence to the final blend. This geological mosaic contributes to the wine’s mineral nuance, savory undertones, and structural precision. The 2022 vintage unfolded with balance and restraint, allowing fruit to ripen fully while preserving acidity and aromatic detail—an ideal backdrop for a wine defined by composition rather than singular site expression.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Antica Terra’s approach to “Exquisite Corpse” is deeply intentional and process-driven, emphasizing patience, intuition, and minimal intervention. The wine is composed of 100% Pinot Noir, harvested by hand from multiple vineyards and vinified in small, distinct lots. Each component is treated individually, allowing its character to develop before blending decisions are made.

Fermentation includes a thoughtful proportion of whole clusters, contributing aromatic lift, spice, and structural nuance. Gentle extraction techniques are employed to preserve transparency and avoid heaviness. Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with restrained use of new oak selected to frame the wine’s architecture rather than dominate its flavor profile. Elevage is prolonged and adaptive, guided by taste rather than prescription, allowing the wine to find balance organically.

Tasting Notes
The 2022 Exquisite Corpse opens with a deeply layered and evolving aromatic profile that rewards patience. Wild strawberry, red cherry, and pomegranate form the core, interwoven with notes of rose petal, dried citrus peel, and crushed herbs. As the wine opens, more savory dimensions emerge—forest floor, iron, tea leaf, and subtle spice—creating a sense of depth and intrigue.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied yet expansive, with a finely woven structure that unfolds gradually. Flavors of bright red fruit, cranberry, and sour cherry are carried by vibrant acidity and silky, persistent tannins. The texture is both delicate and assured, offering a sense of tension that keeps the wine lifted and precise throughout the mid-palate.

As it continues to evolve, layers of savory complexity come forward—notes of dried flowers, gentle spice, and mineral—without overshadowing the wine’s core of purity and freshness. The finish is long, resonant, and quietly powerful, lingering with red fruit, floral nuance, and a subtle saline edge that underscores the wine’s compositional elegance.

Food Pairing & Service
Antica Terra Exquisite Corpse Pinot Noir 2022 pairs beautifully with duck, game birds, roasted poultry, and mushroom-driven dishes, as well as herb-forward cuisine and refined vegetarian preparations. Its balance of acidity and savory depth also complements soft cheeses and dishes built around earthy, seasonal ingredients.

Serve at 54–58°F (12–14°C) in a Burgundy-style glass to fully express its aromatic range and textural nuance. While compelling upon release, this wine is built for contemplation and evolution, with an aging horizon of 12–18 years, during which it will gain additional tertiary complexity, depth, and integration.