Pinot Noir

The sublimest of sublime grape varieties, originally from Burgundy but grown around the World. Despite being difficult to grow, such is the sensual appeal that wine makers everywhere will try to make Pinot Noir, with mixed results. Obviously at home in Burgundy, also finding favour in Alsace and parts of the Loire Valley and, of course, in Champagne. Among the more successful non-European Pinot Noirs are those from New Zealand (Central Otago and Martinborough in particular) and Oregon in USA. Much prone to mutation, Pinot Noir has given birth to Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc and, probably, Pinot Meunier.

News from the Burgundy front

By on 01/11/2012

I had heard little whispers in the trade along the lines of 'I gather the 2011s are showing pretty well', and taken them with a large dose of scepticism. But my first day of tasting today has left me feeling that the rumours did not say the half of it.

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Lea & Sandeman Pinot Noir – the Wine Gang report

By on 22/03/2012

Lea & Sandeman Pinot Noir - the Wine Gang report A selection of fabulous drinking Pinot Noirs as selected by the Wine Gang in their March report. 'This was in fact a tripartite tasting, with a substantial Nebbiolo flight between the Pinot Noirs and the Sangiovese, but we're putting the spotlight on the latter two this month and will cover the Piedmont reds in a forthcoming report.

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Money Week ‘Wine of the Week’ – Matthew Jukes

By on 03/03/2012

Matthew Jukes, wine writing's ebullient enthusiast, came to our last tasting, and was very complimentary - like the Wine Gang, of which more shortly. He chose just one wine, as it happens it is the same vineyard that Neal Martin picked out in the 2010 vintage from our 2010 Burgundy tasting, but this is the 2009 which is available now.

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Happy Monday – New Burgundy Star: Domaine de la Douaix

By on 30/01/2012

The Today Programme (never wrong of course) said this morning that psychologists have determined that this is Happy Monday (coming a mere two weeks after miserable Monday when the Christmas festivities are over). Why not celebrate with some cracking Burgundy? In keeping with the slightly austere feel of the beginning of the year, these too are bargains even if not in the Sale.

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Pinot Perfection: Bodega Chacra

By on 11/12/2011

PINOT PERFECTION Bodega Chacra, Argentina.   When we introduced Bodega Chacra’s Pinot Noirs from Argentina two years ago, they were initially met with some scepticism. How could a country famous for producing monster Malbecs, brimming with rich, ripe fruit and high alcohol possibly produce Pinot Noirs which were anything other than monsters too? Well, Bodega Chacra is quite simply unique.

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