Pinot Noir: the world tour
Pinot Noir, a grape variety revered for its delicacy, complexity, and age-worthiness, is one of the most fascinating wines to explore. Unlike more robust varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir thrives in cooler, more marginal climates where temperature fluctuations are moderated. You'll often see it growing along coastlines or rivers, where high and low temperatures are evened out by these moderating influences.
These unique conditions have led to its cultivation in regions around the globe, each imparting its own distinctive characteristics to the final wine. While Burgundy, France, is often considered the spiritual home of Pinot Noir, exceptional examples can also be found in regions such as California, Oregon, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Chile.
Around the world
“It's thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early. It's not a survivor like Cabernet that can grow anywhere and thrive even when neglected. Pinot needs constant care and attention and in fact can only grow in specific little tucked-away corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing growers can do it really, can tap into Pinot's most fragile, delicate qualities. Only when someone has taken the time to truly understand its potential can Pinot be coaxed into its fullest expression. And when that happens, its flavors are the most haunting and brilliant and subtle and thrilling and ancient on the planet.” – Paul Giamatti as Miles Raymond in Sideways (2004)
No exploration of Pinot Noir would be complete without mentioning Burgundy, the region where this grape reaches its pinnacle. Domaine Ponsot, a revered name in Burgundy, produces some of the most sought-after Pinot Noirs in the world. The 2005 Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes (VV) is a shining example of what Burgundy can offer. This wine is known for its profound depth, complexity, and longevity, with the 2005 vintage being particularly exceptional. It captures the essence of Burgundy's unique terroir, offering a rich, layered, and soulful expression of Pinot Noir that continues to evolve beautifully with age.
California's Sonoma Coast is home to some of the most sought-after Pinot Noirs, with Marcassin being one of the standout producers. Founded in the early 1990s, Marcassin has earned a reputation for its intensely concentrated and opulent Pinot Noirs. The 2012 vintage, from a classically ripe year, exemplifies the power and richness that coastal California Pinot Noir can achieve. This wine is highly collectible and continues to grow in value, making it a prized possession for enthusiasts.
While Chile is often celebrated for its Bordeaux varieties, it also excels in producing exceptional Pinot Noir, especially in its cooler coastal regions. The 2016 Las Pizarras Pinot Noir from Errazuriz is a prime example of this success. Sourced from the Costa vineyard zone near the Pacific Ocean, this wine benefits from the region's cool, sunny climate, resulting in a Pinot Noir that is both elegant and expressive. The 2016 vintage offers a silky texture with vibrant red fruit flavors, underscored by a refined acidity. This wine has garnered significant international acclaim, solidifying its status as one of Chile's standout Pinot Noirs.
Situated on the Northern 45th Parallel along with Bordeaux and Piedmont, the Willamette Valley in Oregon has become renowned for its exceptional Pinot Noir, and Nicolas Jay is one of the standout producers in this region. The 2018 Bishop Creek Pinot Noir is a product of meticulous winemaking and a deep respect for the vineyard's unique terroir. This wine, from the steep slopes of Bishop Creek, offers depth, structure, and elegance, showcasing the powerful yet nuanced character that Oregon Pinot Noir is known for. The 2018 vintage is particularly noteworthy, highlighting the vibrancy and complexity of the fruit.
While New Zealand's Pinot Noir reputation often centers around the South Island's Central Otago region, the North Island, particularly Martinborough, has proven itself as a formidable producer of exceptional Pinot Noir. The 2010 vintage was unusually good for Pinot Noir in this region, offering conditions that allowed the grape to truly shine. Ata Rangi, a vineyard established in 1980, produces Pinot Noir with a harmonious blend of vibrant fruit and subtle herbal notes. The 2010 vintage stands out for its remarkable depth and balance, showcasing the unique terroir of Martinborough and the superb quality of that year's harvest.
Argentina is increasingly recognized for its ability to produce outstanding Pinot Noir, particularly in the cooler southern regions like Patagonia. The 2020 vintage of Chacra's Pinot Noir Treinta y Dos is a remarkable example of this growing reputation. Founded in 2003, Chacra has become a leader in biodynamic viticulture, and the 2020 vintage continues this tradition with exceptional quality. The Pinot Noir from the historic Mainque estate, where vines date back to 1932, exhibits a captivating balance of purity and complexity. The 2020 Treinta y Dos offers vibrant red fruit flavors intertwined with earthy and mineral notes, all wrapped in a refined, silky texture.
Victoria, Australia, is home to some of the country's most refined Pinot Noirs, particularly in the cool climate regions of the Mornington Peninsula. One standout example is the 2013 'Wallis' Pinot Noir from Ten Minutes by Tractor, a producer known for its meticulous approach to winemaking. The 'Wallis' vineyard, with its unique microclimate and careful vineyard management, yields a Pinot Noir that is both elegant and complex. The 2013 vintage is especially noteworthy, offering a beautiful balance of bright red fruit, earthy undertones, and a delicate, silky texture. This wine exemplifies the best of what the Mornington Peninsula can produce, showcasing the region's potential for world-class Pinot Noir.
This journey through some of the world's finest Pinot Noirs illustrates the remarkable versatility and adaptability of this grape. While Burgundy remains the benchmark, regions across the globe have embraced Pinot Noir, producing wines that are unique yet true to the varietal’s delicate nature. From the rugged landscapes of Patagonia to the cool vineyards of Mornington Peninsula, Pinot Noir continues to inspire winemakers and delight wine lovers with its nuanced, ethereal flavors and reflection of terroir.
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