Pinot noir is one of the most highly regarded grape varieties of all. Grown in the right climate and on the right soils, it can produce exquisite, ethereal, smooth wines. The problem has been finding the right conditions. In the not-too-distant past, only a few regions were able to produce convincing wines made from pinot noir. However, we now have very well-made wines from a number of countries.
Pinot noir is susceptible to rot and, even in good vintages, yields are low. Given these difficulties, the wines will rarely be cheap. I featured New Zealand earlier this year . There, several regions make great pinot noir, usually at affordable prices. In the supermarkets, Lidl has the French Pinot Noir for €7.69, and when it is on promotion, the La Petite Perrière Pinot Noir (€9) from SuperValu offers good value.
Elsewhere, Chile has discovered a few cooler areas that produce good pinot noir, as has the Languedoc in the south of France. And Alsace, once considered too cool to ripen pinot, is now producing some delicious wines. We all have weaknesses in life, and one of mine is Californian pinot noir from the Pacific coast. They cost a lot of money, partly because they are highly sought after in California and elsewhere and partly because of high operating costs, but also because they happen to be very good.
Pinot lovers could also try out the excellent Austrian pinots from Hannes Reinisch (€23.50, €49.50 and €59.50 from Terroirs in Dublin 4), good value compared with many Burgundies, as are many German pinots, or Spätburgunders.
A very enjoyable fresh pinot noir with clean pure dark cherry fruits. Try it with duck, grilled salmon or tuna.
Warm, ripe and spicy with rounded dark fruits. Try it with chicken dishes or firm cheeses.
From Baggot Street Wines, Dublin 4; McHugh’s, Dublin 5; Redmonds, Dublin 6; Red Island, Skerries, Co Dublin; Martins, Dublin 3
Fresh ripe morello cherries with a touch of spice. Supple, smooth and moreish. A great summer wine to serve cool with charcuterie, salads, and tarts.
From Whelehans, Loughlinstown, Dublin 18, Whelehans.ie
Delicious juicy raspberry and red cherries with light tannins and a wonderful purity of fruit throughout.
From Sweeney’s, Dublin 3; 64 Wine, Glasthule and Mount Merrion, Co Dublin; WineOnline.ie