Pinot Noir - The Wine Tasting Coach
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Pinot Noir - The Wine Tasting CoachPinot Noir, just in time for the turkey! The term "Burgundy" in America has become synonymous with "red table wine," usually of the most pedestrian variety. This is a shame, because the Burgundy region of France is origin and home of what many consider the most elegantly refined red wine, Pinot Noir ("black grape"). The best examples offer intense cherry, raspberry, currant, and spice flavors, and an aroma with rose, earth, tar, herb, leather and tobacco hints. Somewhat less tannic than other heavy reds, Pinot Noir extracts dramatic flavors when aged in oak barrels. Unfortunately, Pinot Noir is considered the most difficult grape to grow well. It fluctuates widely with environmental differences, particularly temperature, moisture, soil composition and fog. It is also a very delicate grape, easily bruised and broken during harvest. Pinot Noir can also shift and change during fermentation, aging, and bottling, making it very difficult to assess during production. Pinot Noir tends to excel in cooler climates, especially when rigorous planting selection is used. Certain clones are better for still wine, while others are best suited for sparkling wine. The winemaker also has tremendous control over the potential outcome of Pinot Noir. Fermented with stems and seeds, Pinot Noir exhibits higher tannin levels, allowing the wine to age longer in a classical style. Equally appealing are the younger styles produced today, which possess more fruit and smokiness, drink at a younger age, but lack the "library" potential. Pinot Noir is produced by most broad selection wineries in California, but the edge goes to those Oregon wineries whose climate and environment more closely resemble Burgundy, France. Even the newer wine regions of New Zealand, Australia, and Chile are experimenting with the grape, but are still in their infancy. Pinot Noir is an ideal companion to hearty beef, veal, and lamb cuts, and for roasted foods such as turkey or capon. Because of its smoky characteristics, it is my personal favorite with barbecued meats and poultry. Also, try it with a small bite of Stilton or English Huntsman cheese. mmmm! Getting Around Turkey - Car Hire Istanbul - Marmaris - Bodrum - Antalya - Izmir Side - Olu Deniz - Dalyan - Epheses - Cappadocia
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