We’re staying in the world of lighter reds for another week to explore a grape who’s ancestral home is next door to Beaujolais. Pinot Noir is everything that most drinkers dislike in red wine. It’s light in colour and body — and sort of delicate. It can appear almost frail in the company of big boys like Cabernet or Shiraz, but Pinot is very popular. Those who like it, like it a lot.
Pinot seems to bring out people’s sensual side as the usual need for richness and fullness are cast aside in favour of charm. With this wine, less becomes more. But Pinot fans feel deprived because there is not much of the stuff, the quality is often terrible, and it’s usually expensive. It’s tough having a Pinot addiction. But things are looking up, and everyday priced Pinot may soon be a reality thanks to a few hot shot winemakers in Chile and France. Their skill and large scale production could mean happier times for Pinot fans.
The world’s first good everyday Pinot was created by young winemakers at Cono Sur in Chile. They saw the demand for the grape and invested in plantings. Their ’07 is a little young and raw but you’ll still get the lovely spirited, charming nature of Pinot. This is one of the world’s great wine values. French brothers Jacques and Francois Lurton are global winemakers who seek out locations with the potential to produce large quantities of today’s popular wine varieties. Their Pinot may remind you of Beaujolais, but dressed up a bit. It’s good anytime with anything.
The traditional food partner for Pinot is white meats. But don’t be afraid to spice it up — consider a dish with grilled wild mushrooms or cumin.
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Recommendations for this Saturday’s Vintages release are posted on www.billysbestbottles.com.
Billy Munnelly has been writing about wine for 25 years and is the author of Canada’s largest selling wine book, Billy’s Best Bottles. Sign up for his free monthly e-letter at
www.billysbestbottles.com
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