It’s been a while since I’ve sampled amazing quality Pinot Noir. This week, however, I sampled many Pinot Noirs that impressed me a great deal. In this column we’ll find out more about this often mysterious grape and then list the Pinot Noir’s I‘ve tasted that are available in BC.
Great Pinot Noirs create lasting impressions in the memory. Its aroma and bouquet is often one of the most complex of all wines and can be intense with a ripe, strawberry, raspberry and black cherry aroma. The bouquet includes a sense of spiciness that reminds one of cinnamon, nutmeg and truffle. Tomato, mushroom, earthiness and a musky barnyard are also common descriptors for a typical Pinot Noir. It can be full-bodied and rich without being heavy and high in alcohol. The best examples are not acidic or tannic but smooth, silky and very well balanced.
Pinot Noir is a tough grape for winemakers to master because it ferments aggressively which could result in the wine lacking any fruity characteristics. The grape berry is thin skinned which creates a lighter red colour than other varietals such as Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. Pinot Noir contains three to four times the amount of reversatol found in other red wines which aids in keeping the cardio vascular system healthy.
The Okanagan can produce some good examples of Pinot but the best examples are found in Burgundy, France, Oregon, California and New Zealand. These areas produce world class Pinot Noirs which are highly sought after by wine lovers around the world.
Here are some favourites that are available in BC that display all the great aromas and taste associated with Pinot Noir. These wines sell for about $40 and are available at BC Liquor stores and private wine shops.
New Zealand is known throughout the world as a top producer of Sauvignon Blanc. It is also generally known as a cool climate wine producing country so pinot grows well in three regions, Marlborough, Central Otago and Martinborough. Churton, Pinot Noir, 2006 hails from Marlborough and is loaded with black cherry, earthy spice and ripe raspberry extract. This medium bodied wine is perfectly balanced with fine tannins and a long caressing finish.
Hailing from Central Otago Gibbston Valley, Gold River Pinot Noir, 2007 introduces a sweet herbal and red berry and cherry aroma followed by a velvety smooth and earthy component. The acid levels in this wine are perfect and one of the best Pinots for the price I have tasted in a while. This wine is already sold out in New Zealand!
Another winner is Cristom Vineyards, Mt. Jefferson Pinot Noir, 2006 from Oregon. Full bodied, creamy and elegant this wine features a well balanced and lengthy finish. Rich fruit and a spicy edge round out this complex wine at an affordable price point.
The French still have the best Pinots in the world and the prices for top Burgundies can be prohibitive. That is why the Patrice Rion, Bourgogne, 2006 is a “value” Pinot Noir. Ripe raspberry and dark cherry flavors are introduced which leads to a slightly smoky and forest earth bouquet. All the components are here, balance and a mild yet complex finish.
Pinot Noirs are a perfect accompaniment to richer fish menus such as salmon and tuna. Also a delightful pairing with holiday poultry dishes with thick, rich, meaty sauces and herbal based stuffing. Enjoy a few special Pinot Noirs this season - it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment