Pinot Noir, Wine of the Moment

Such a feminine wine!
Pinot Noir has a bouquet like perfume; musky, fruity, floral and sexy, it sparkles like ruby and garnet jewelry and tastes of indulgences like cherries, strawberries, exotic mushrooms, spices, cola and chocolate. These are a few of our favorite things! On the other side, you have probably heard the term “barnyard” as a description of the aroma of old world and some new world Pinot Noir. For some, this might conjure up some unpleasant images. Don’t let it! Think of fresh hay, leather, and wet earth. Ah, much better, now isn’t it?

Those of you that have seen the movie Sideways, have heard Pinot Noir described in a way that would make my Grandmother blush! I was prompted to see the movie when a reporter from the Indianapolis Star interviewed me for a recent article about the movie's impact on Pinot Noir sales. “Since the movie hit local theaters in December,” I commented, “more people have been asking for Pinot Noir, maybe to see what all the fuss is about.” In her article, Kelly Kendall goes on to describe Pinot Noir as “fickle” and “sublime.” Some Pinot Noirs have been called the iron fist in a velvet glove, bold and strong with a silky smoothness. I’m sure we have all known women who could be described the same way.

It has been my experience, that Pinot Noir is one of the most food-friendly wines as well. Pinot Noir was probably the first red wine to break the old taboo of red wine with fish. Pinot Noir and grilled Salmon is a match made in heaven.

Notable growing regions for Pinot Noir
Burgundy, France
The French have long produced some of the sexiest, succulent and sophisticated Pinot Noir in the world. Like a vintage Grands Echézeaux with flavors of cherry, violet, vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon. All those flavors in one sip, you ask? Yes, and then some! These are wines to be slowly savored, pondered and relished.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
This region has made a reputation for itself in the Pinot Noir market. One of my favorite wineries is Domaine Drouhin, a French family-owned winery in America with a female winemaker, Véronique Drouhin.
California
This state has many notable producers of Pinot Noir. Some of my favorites are Russian River Valley producers, Williams Selyem and Rochioli, Carneros' Robert Sinskey and Saintsbury. In the Santa Barbara area, Au Bon Climat and Sanford.

Bottom Line
Go see the movie Sideways and jump on the bandwagon. There are so many great Pinot Noirs on the market; I guarantee you’ll find one to love.

L.Cunningham
A Woman on Wine