Pinot Noir is considered the oldest and finest grape varietal and owes its fame to Burgandy's Cote d'Ore ("Slope of Gold") in France. Here the vines grow at a downward slope facing East, which provides great sun exposure and avoidance to afternoon heat. Pinot Noir produces some of the best wines, but it is also the most difficult to cultivate. There are 46 clones in Dijon, France and anywhere from 200-1000 worldwide! The grapes grow in Algeria, Argenitina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Czechoslovakia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United States. Locally, the following appellations grow Pinot Noir grapes: Santa Maria Valley (Santa Barbara County); Russian River Valley (Sonoma County); Carneros (in both Sonoma and Napa Counties); Anderson Valley (Mendocino County); as well as the Pinnacles (Monterey County) and Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County).
A classic Pinot Noir wine is described to be full-bodied and rich, but not heavy. Its aroma is quite intense and incorporates ripe-grape or black cherry, with a spiciness like cinnamon or mint. Tomato, mushroom and barnyard are other common descriptors. Try pairing this wine with grilled salmon or any dish that features mushrooms.
Try these...
-10th Annual Food and Wine American Wine Awards for 2007-
Pinot Noir (Under $20):
2005 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County ($20)-- "This label has long been star winemaker Jim Clendenen’s entry-level Pinot Noir, and his 2005 is likely to be the best yet—an elegant, medium-bodied, European-style wine."
Pinot Noir (Over $20):
2003 Calera Selleck ($60)-- "Josh Jensen produces some of the most complex and polished Pinots in California from his winery just east of Monterey. His Selleck Vineyard bottling, with notes of plum, cherry and spice, may be the most concentrated and cellarworthy of them all."
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