As the days grow shorter and the temperature gets cooler, my wine tastes turn away from the light, fresh whites of summer, and while the depths of winter may be well suited to big, powerful, warming reds, Pinot Noir is by far my favourite Autumnal variety.
Image courtesy of Luca Sbardella via Flickr
Pinot Noir is perhaps the most intriguing red grape variety of all. Although capable of producing some of the most complex and long-lived wines in the world, it is an extremely difficult grape to grow and is equally challenging to the wine maker, requiring considerable skill and experience to produce wines that live up to the grape’s potential. Despite the sometimes fickle nature of the grape, it is perennially attractive to those that make wine all over the world, being found as far afield as Argentina, Australia, South Africa, and Romania, as well as its spiritual home in Burgundy’s Cote d’Or.
Part of the beauty of Pinot Noir is its ability to show different characteristics depending on the place in which it is grown, but what most wines from this variety share is pretty, ripe fruit character, medium to light body, and fine tannins. In cooler areas it tends towards developing hints of earthy, savoury character, while warmer climates accentuate the intense fruitiness and create a satiny smooth texture.
It is this diversity of styles that contributes to the enduring fascination with Pinot Noir, there really is always something new to discover!
A Pinot Noir Mixed Case
We’ve put together a case to show the many different sides of Pinot Noir, including two bottles each of the following six wines for the discounted price of £185.00 (RRP £221).
Calusari, Pinot Noir, Romania, 2013
This is the first Romanian wine that we’ve stocked at The Good Wine Shop and it has really wowed our customers. This is a strikingly aromatic Pinot Noir with violets and dried cherries on the nose but its real asset is a fantastically juicy, berry palate and a silky smooth, delicious finish. This is nice all on its own but will also work well with lighter style meat dishes.
La Vierge Pinot Noir, Hermanus, South Africa, 2011
This South African Pinot Noir comes from the cool Hemel-en-Aarde region and exudes elegance, class and drinkability. Though light in body, the bright, delicate red fruit flavours and haunting, perfumed aromas make this Heaven for any fan of the grape. Pair with roast salmon, duck or just good company.
Delinea 300 Pinot Noir, Sokol Blosser, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2010
Delinea 300 has aromas and flavours of red and black cherries, cassis, violets, truffle and mocha. The tannins are smooth and refined, with a medium-bodied structure and bright acidity which makes this wine approachable in its youth.
Estate Pinot Noir, Humberto Canale, Patagonia, Argentina, 2013
This wine has an attractive garnet colour. On the nose there are notes of spice and candied fruit with nuances of fresh red berries such as strawberries and cherries. Its ageing in oak is emphasised with a smoky vanilla aroma. In the mouth, it is delicate in body, with soft tannins and ripe red fruit flavour and a long persistent finish. The wine’s earthiness makes it a good partner for coq au vin or pork.
Clos Henri ‘Petit Clos’ Pinot Noir, Wairu Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2013
Malborough is of course known for its Sauvignon Blanc, but the climate is also well suited to Pinot Noir. Showing ripe, deep black fruit character and subtle smoky aromas on the nose, the palate is filled with luscious fruit and soft tannins. A moreish and easy-drinking style.
Mercurey 1er Cru Les Montaigus, Dureuil Janthial, Burgundy, France 2012
From the Burgundian village of Mercurey in the Cote Chalonnaise and grown on clay-limestone soils, this is a light and perfumed style of red Burgundy. Brimming with crunchy red cherry and sweet strawberry fruit, there is a hint of earthy, forest floor character that adds complexity and makes this a superbly food-friendly wine.
