Pinots Around The World
Pinot Noir is indeed the stunning French red that plays hard to get but will always be the darling of wine lovers. So on its big day this August, we’re raising a toast to this Burgundian original by showcasing all of Pinot’s fab styles all round the world. Have yourself a sumptuous International Pinot Noir Day. Cheers!
Burgundy, France
Vincent Girardin, Bourgogne Rouge “Cuvee Saint-Vincent 2022
Burgundy will always hold as the start of Pinot Noir’s glorious reign and also its gold standard. And in the pecking order of greatness, the domaine of Vincent Girardin is a notable exponent. The freshly minted winner of One Michelin Grape as part of the first ever Michelin Grape Guide, this estate doesn’t just make sublime Pinot Noir, they take it to another level. Head winemaker Eric Germain gives wine enthusiasts an authentic and accessible sense of grand Burgundian red with this style. Produced from Côte de Beaune’s vineyards anchored in limestone soils, this barrel aged Bourgogne Rouge brims with ripe red fruit, medium body and expressive tannins.Languedoc, France
Famille Fabre, Grande Courtade Pinot Noir 2024
Languedoc is a vast region teeming with liberal and creative wine estates but it Famille Fabre that leads the charge on high quality organic winemaking. The family’s dedication shines brightest with the greatness coaxed out of the Burgundian native under Corbières-Boutenac’s Mediterranean sun atop a carpet of clay and limestone soils. This Southern French Pinot Noir beams with ripe character, barrel aged elegance, notes of black cherry and pepper on the back of soft tannins.Franken, Germany
Rudolf Fürst, Spatburgunder Tradition 2020
Germany’s reputation for making superbly fresh whites wines foreshadows its modern history for graceful, fruit forward reds. Chief among them in Pinot Noir which the Germans proudly call Spatburgunder. Rudolf Furst is a family estate based in Franken which is known for mostly for its white wines. Tradition is it’s high quality estate red wine, made from grapes grown in vineyards that sits just below the Furst family home and winery. Ripe cherries, blueberry and cinnamon laced with fresh mint. This vintage in particular is elevated by a gush of acidity and smooth tannins.Marlborough, New Zealand
Saint Clair, Pinot Noir 2020
Pinot Noir is notoriously picky about vineyards outside Burgundy where it chooses to reward its growers. And in Marlborough, this thin skinned red grape found its new world form. Marlborough is held up as the high standard for Pinot Noir and the family estate of Saint Clair, one of its best makers. The Abbot family began the Saint Clair estate three decades ago focus on makings wines of thorough character and authenticity, all of which reflects in their top Pinot Noir expression. The vineyards are rooted in gravelly river bed soil and enjoy plenty of sun and contrasting cool nights that lock in great flavour and acidity, creating a wine of superb balance. This fruit forward in Pinot is in its prime, good to drink now and delights with vibrant hints of strawberry and raspberry, minerality and silky tannins.Kara Tara, Pinot Noir
Kara Tara, Pinot Noir 2022
South African winemakers excel at just about any style they choose to deliberately pursue and with Pinot Noir, the success has felt particularly sweet. The French grape has especially thrived in Elgin Valley which is literally the country’s coolest region. Kara Tara’s chief winemaker Rüdger van Wyk has more than one Burgundian vintage in his CV though it is his intimate understanding of and belief in Elgin Valley’s terroir that brings this earthy and delicious red to life. Rüdger’s abiding philosophy is to “always be in sync with Mother Nature and “the grape doing its natural thing.” This opulent and cherry driven Pinot is liquid reward for that approach.Niederosterreich, Austria
