Pinot Noir
Top countries producing this wine: |
Pinot Noir is estimated to be more than 2,000 years old, originating in the Burgundy region of France, perhaps before the Roman invasion. The holy grail of wine grapes, Pinot Noir has a finicky nature and chameleon-like tendencies in the vineyard, making it one of the least consistent grapes to grow. Winemakers around the world, drawn to the stunning potential of this elusive wine, have attempted to emulate the great red wines of Burgundy in their own regions. Regions with cool climates and a long, slow growing season have begun to captivate wine drinkers with a wide array of Pinot Noir styles. In California, appellations such as Russian River Valley, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, Anderson Valley and the Pacific-cooled Sonoma Coast areas are producing tangy, fuller-style Pinots with ripe red berry fruits. Oregon is perhaps the most promising region in the U.S. for making a balanced, elegant Pinot that is slightly fuller than the Burgundian model but has more finesse than the high-octane style of California. New Zealand Pinot Noirs are trickling into the U.S. market with zesty, lighter styles that possess mouthwatering acidity. Australia, too, has achieved some impressive, classically light-bodied Pinots in their cooler regions. The quintessential food wine, a young Pinot Noir possesses high acidity and loads of fruity characteristics such as cherries, plums and strawberries. A mature wine will develop complexities that include mushroom, violets and figs. Pinot Noir will hold up to most hearty dishes, yet it is delicate enough to pair with fish. Delightful to drink young, Pinot Noir is one of the few wines that possess both approachability in youth and great complexity in maturity. |
New Zealand
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Winemaking in New Zealand dates back to their colonial times (the mid-1800s) but never really took off until the 1970s. Since then, New Zealand has gradually earned a reputation for producing high-quality wines, with their Sauvignon Blancs receiving widespread critical acclaim as they popularized a unique, assertive style for the grape. New Zealand’s climate and geography play an important role in winemaking within the country. Many of the best wine regions lie in valleys carved out of the mountains that dominate the country, protecting vineyards from wind while the mountains help block excessive rain. Since New Zealand is an island nation, the surrounding waters tend to moderate temperatures, providing for cooler summers and milder winters and protecting the grapes from temperature extremes. The most famous wine region in New Zealand is Marlborough, which is known for producing tremendous Sauvignon Blancs. New Zealand winemakers are also known for their highly-rated Pinot Noirs. |
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Cairnbrae Marlborough Pinot Noir
2005 / 750 ml.
New Zealand | South Island | MarlboroughItem #22832 -
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Kim Crawford Marlborough Pinot Noir
2008 / 750 ml.
New Zealand | South Island | MarlboroughItem #17903Limited inventory.
5 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email. -
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Martinborough Vineyard Pinot Noir
2006 / 750 ml.
New Zealand | Wairarapa | MartinboroughItem #26470 -
Martinborough Vineyard Te Tera Pinot Noir
2008 / 750 ml.
New Zealand | Wairarapa | MartinboroughItem #27671 -
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Oyster Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir
2009 / 750 ml.
New Zealand | South Island | MarlboroughItem #31858Limited inventory.
3 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email. -
Stoneleigh Marlborough Pinot Noir
2008 / 750 ml.
New Zealand | South Island | MarlboroughItem #30421




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