For a delicious pinot noir that doesn’t break the bank, look beyond Burgundy.
L-R: Sainsbury’s House Pinot Noir; Marks & Spencer’s Pinot Nero; Little Yering Pinot Noir
By Susy Atkins3:00PM BST 27 Aug 20132 Comments
Those of us who love pinot noir coo over its red-berry aroma, soft velvety texture and rich chocolatey depths, but we also tend to moan a lot about its high price. Fine-quality pinot, especially from its spiritual home, Burgundy, can be expensive, and cheap, decent versions hard to find; this is one pernickety grape that needs a lot of attention. So where else can we look for good-value, delicious pinot?
Chile has long been the answer and still is (try versions from the coastal regions of Leyda or Casablanca for bright, vivacious fruitiness), but Romanian pinot, usually from the Dealul Mare region, is more newsworthy, offering especially good value at the moment. The Wine Society has the scented La Catina Vineyard Pinot Noir from Romania at an appealing £7.50.
If you prefer a riper, richer style, source it from South Africa, Argentina or Australia, where cooler spots now produce rounded, plump pinots, some of them fairly priced. New Zealand’s well-balanced and vivacious pinot is world-renowned, but not exactly cheap; my best buy right now is Tesco’s supple, smooth Finest Central Otago Pinot Noir 2011 (£10.99). And much lighter, fresh and tangy pinots come from France’s Loire Valley and northern parts of Italy (see below) – perfect for summer.
This grape is low in rich tannins and high in succulent acidity, so serve a little cool when the weather is hot. Match the lighter styles with cold meats or fresh salmon, the richer ones with barbecued lamb burgers or duck. Here are three under £10 to please a pinot passion.
via Wine Review: Discovering good-value pinot noir – Telegraph.
