Time was when you began an article about Pinot Noir by pointing out how difficult it was to grow this capricious grape anywhere outside of its native home in Burgundy. Happily, this no longer holds true. Over the last decade or more, producers around the world have uncovered the meso-climates and soils best suited to this variety. For this article, I tasted some fantastic pinots from Germany, Austria, Romania, the US, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.
Most were very good, and many excellent, proving that these days pinot can travel well outside its home country of France. Sadly, most were quite expensive too. Yields are low and demand high for Pinot Noir whether it comes from Burgundy or elsewhere.
I have featured the uniquely Tasmanian wonderfully fragrant Tolpuddle Pinot (€70-80, Independents) with its delicious elegant cherry fruits on several occasions. I have a great love of German Pinot Noir or spätburgunder as it is known there, as well as those from California and Oregon.
At the more affordable level, in addition to the Little Joey below, the Romanian Wildflower from O’Briens is great value when on promotion at about €10. O’Briens also has the excellent Leyda Valley range from Chile. Look out too for the Bonfils Pinot Noir (€8.60 Dunnes Stores until August 5th) from the south of France.
In general Pinot Noir is light to medium-bodied with smooth, usually fresh fruits and a tannin-free finish, perfect for summer drinking.
Little Joey Pinot Noir 2023, South Eastern Australia
13.5%,€11.75
Light, smooth, sweet and ripe raspberry and strawberry fruits with a rounded finish. Dangerously easy to drink. Try it with salmon, chicken or mild cheeses. From Marks & Spencer
Rabl Pinot Noir 2017, Kamptal
13.5%, €29.95
A very seductive elegant pinot with refreshing raspberry and red cherry fruits and a nice savoury touch on the finish. Seared duck breast, charcuterie, and mushroom dishes. From O’Briens
Framingham Pinot Noir 2021, Marlborough, New Zealand
13.5%, €32-€33.95
One of my favourite pinots. Ripe slightly earthy plum and red cherry fruits with toasted nuts and a long smooth finish. Grilled or roast duck, or roast pork. From Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Wineonline.ie; Bradley’s, Cork
Otronia Pinot Noir 2020, Patagonia, Argentina
13%,€78.95
Vibrant with beguiling vivid bright plum and dark cherry fruits. Piquant with a sappy finish. Fascinating if expensive. Try it with tuna, salmon, roast chicken or mushroom dishes. From Blackrock Cellar; The Corkscrew, D2
