Wines of the World is a new series that will introduce you to a variety of wines from beautiful landscapes dotting the globe. And hopefully instill some knowledge and insights.., to make picking a good wine, not such a daunting task. Wineries / Vineyards are beautiful not just to the eye.., but the all senses, as well… They can inspire ones spirit and nourish the soul -- all in a glimpse.
The dedication that is required.., to achieve the level of grape that is suitable to produce this "Nectar of the Gods..," is mind-boggling. The hours upon hours of care.., and attention to detail, is unlike anything you can imagine. It takes a very special kind of person to undertake such an overwhelming endeavor…
If you have ever been to one of these awe inspiring settings.., you know what I mean… And, if you have never had the pleasure to visit a vineyard or winery… You are missing out on a slice of life, that has the ability to touch your very soul.., just by it's sheer presence.
If it sounds like I am a fan of vineyards, and the very special product they produce -- Wine. That would be correct. Very few places on this earth display such perfection. But, just as the wines they produce.., they can be, I will admit, slightly intimidating. So, with a little understanding of the different aspects of wine… The subtle characteristics they can embody, we can begin to enjoy wine in a whole new way -- without being afraid of it…
So, lets get to it… WAIT -- Before we start, I'd like to mention, one more thing… There are all kinds of "rules" that people might want to impose on your choice of wine. Why, it is good to know some of these.., nothing is written in stone. And when it comes, right down it -- drink what you like!
Now that, that is out of the way...
With the weather starting to cool off, a bit… I would recommend putting down the rosé. And choosing something, more fitting for the season -- something with a little more body.., but not quite as big or bold as a hearty Cabernet.., not yet.
Pinot Noir's have a more delicate, subtleness to them… Just like the grape itself, which can be a "bitch" (excuse me) to grow -- in other words, it doesn't like bad weather! Pinot''s are gentle and sexy. Even the color a paler red, compared to the deep red of a Cabernet. But still strong enough to hold it's own with a nice piece of duck. And the one I have chosen for us, even a rib-eye.
Fall is the perfect time to indulge in a nice glass of Pinot Noir. even the grape, itself is grown in slightly cooler temperatures. And although, French in name and from the Burgundy region… Pinot's are grown all over the world with some of the best coming from Sonoma California and Oregon (my favorite).
Besides fall being the perfect time to enjoy a good Pinot Noir… It is the 10th most planted grape variety in the world and has developed a hardcore, almost cultish following of wine enthusiasts -- they love this grape. It is also, one of the oldest grapes -- 1000 years older than Cabernet, dating back to Roman times.
The wine I am about to introduce you to.., is also one of my favorite:
Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir "Notorious" 2012
Tasting Notes:
This wine is deeper in color than most Pinot's (more ruby red), not as shallow in color like others… It has been described as "the most romantic of wines." Not many wines evoke such a description, so please take note of that…
It's has aromas of: Black cherries and blackberries (darker berries than most Pinot's). Some nutmeg and a little cinnamon. A tad of incense and some smoky oak.
Velvety in texture (lush), as it hits your tongue. With flavors of cherry, plum, some clove and a hint of leather. And even a touch of cocoa.
The finish has just right amount of tannins (what makes wine taste dry - they come from the grape skins, seeds and stems) to balance out the lush fruit, perfectly. To be honest, it is very hard to find a wine with a finish as balanced as this one.
"Only somebody who really takes the time to understand Pinot's potential can then coax it into its fullest expression. Then, I mean, oh its flavors, they're just the most haunting and brilliant and thrilling and subtle and... ancient on the planet."
Madeline Triffon, one of only two woman master sommelier's from the United States, refers to Pinot Noir as -- Sex in a Glass… And on a more personal note -- I had the opportunity to meet Madeline, while she was part of a, women in wine conference, in New York City a few years ago…
She is a lovely woman… But as she walked up to my bar and asked me to recommend a red wine to go with her duck, I knew I was being tested, by the best -- I didn't blink. I immediately suggested the wine we are reviewing, right here… She went on to ask me to describe the flavor profile -- and I recited, almost word for word, what you all have just read (the bar manager was crapping in his pants). To say, she was pleasantly surprised, would be an understatement.
What she did next.., was extremely cool of her… She called over the General Manager and proceeded to tell him, she has not heard a bartender in New York City describe a wine so brilliantly. She ordered 2 bottles for the table (one of which was on me), after informing us, she was only coming to the bar for one glass, but after a description like that, she ordered for the whole table.
That is another great point… When dining with a group of people that are having a variety of entrees, Pinot Noir is definitely the go to wine. It pairs, so well with so many things, meat, fish or veggies.., you can't go wrong.
And for you wine and cheese lovers… Pinot Noir pairs amazingly well with a nice piece of brie.
What makes this one of, if not my favorite Pinot Noir's is it's similarities to a Syrah (another great fall wine). They are bigger, bolder and deeper in color than most Pinot's. But no matter your level of wine knowledge -- from beginner, to the most seasoned "foodie" you will be able to appreciate the subtle complexities of the Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir "Notorious" 2012.
Now that you have a better understanding of a Pinot Noir.., you can look for these qualities, the next time you enjoy a nice bottle on a brisk fall night with friends.., or a significant other...
After all, there is a reason it is referred to as -- sex in a glass!
Cost: $75-$80
Side Notes: To really enjoy this wine, like the quote above.., I would definitely suggest "letting it breathe," as they say -- for at least an hour, two if you have the time. Decanting (pouring into a decanter will fasten this process, letting the air get at this wine, really brings out all this subtleties).
Most establishments, especially these days.., pour a 5 oz glass of wine. It was, and is supposed to be a 6 oz pour, for a proper glass of wine. Of course, this is when drinking by the glass.
I, myself.., when drinking a bottle at home or with friends, at a nice wine bar… Like to use a 4 oz pour. It gives me more room to swirl the wine in my glass, letting the more unpleasant compounds (smells) dissipate. It lets your wine breathe, allowing oxygen to attach itself to the tannins and mellow them out a bit. It releases the aroma on a whole new level (try it…). And last but not least -- you look like a pro…
Pinot Noir's tend to be a little pricier than other reds, due to there popularity.., but are well within reach for your everyday wine drinker… And, if you feel like pushing the budget, you could always go for a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) Monopole Romanée-Conti Pinot Noir 1990 -- for a very modest, $13,999.
And just so you know DRC is considered one of the best wine producers in the world, located in Burgundy, France. Not impressed, yet… A case of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, also known as DRC, was sold at auction for $476,280, the most expensive pinot noir ever!
I hope some of you that read this review, actually take the time to go out and try this wine.
If you have any questions or recommendations for a wine you would like reviewed, please comment below.., and follow @macksby Cheers!
Quote: Sideways
GIF: giphy.com
What makes this one of, if not my favorite Pinot Noir's is it's similarities to a Syrah (another great fall wine). They are bigger, bolder and deeper in color than most Pinot's. But no matter your level of wine knowledge -- from beginner, to the most seasoned "foodie" you will be able to appreciate the subtle complexities of the Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir "Notorious" 2012.
Now that you have a better understanding of a Pinot Noir.., you can look for these qualities, the next time you enjoy a nice bottle on a brisk fall night with friends.., or a significant other...
After all, there is a reason it is referred to as -- sex in a glass!
Cost: $75-$80
Side Notes: To really enjoy this wine, like the quote above.., I would definitely suggest "letting it breathe," as they say -- for at least an hour, two if you have the time. Decanting (pouring into a decanter will fasten this process, letting the air get at this wine, really brings out all this subtleties).
Most establishments, especially these days.., pour a 5 oz glass of wine. It was, and is supposed to be a 6 oz pour, for a proper glass of wine. Of course, this is when drinking by the glass.
I, myself.., when drinking a bottle at home or with friends, at a nice wine bar… Like to use a 4 oz pour. It gives me more room to swirl the wine in my glass, letting the more unpleasant compounds (smells) dissipate. It lets your wine breathe, allowing oxygen to attach itself to the tannins and mellow them out a bit. It releases the aroma on a whole new level (try it…). And last but not least -- you look like a pro…
Pinot Noir's tend to be a little pricier than other reds, due to there popularity.., but are well within reach for your everyday wine drinker… And, if you feel like pushing the budget, you could always go for a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) Monopole Romanée-Conti Pinot Noir 1990 -- for a very modest, $13,999.
And just so you know DRC is considered one of the best wine producers in the world, located in Burgundy, France. Not impressed, yet… A case of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, also known as DRC, was sold at auction for $476,280, the most expensive pinot noir ever!
If you have any questions or recommendations for a wine you would like reviewed, please comment below.., and follow @macksby Cheers!
Quote: Sideways
GIF: giphy.com
@macksby, I totally enjoyed this post! My favorite wine is Cabernet but you also have me wanting to branch out and try some Pinot Noir. The complexities intertwined within the wine culture are fascinating. I love how much of the snobbery that used to be there is now gone and it now seems to be more about a philosophy of enjoying life to the max (which I'm all for). I have this notion that I may want to retire to France just for the quality of life aspect. Have you see the documentary Somm? Being in the industry you probably knew most of that stuff anyway but the documentary introduced me to a lot I didn't already know about. Great job!
Glad you enjoyed it @ericvancewalton! This one holds it own with some cabs. But if you want to splurge a little (about $200) on a 100% cabernet, I recently was gifted a bottle of Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 -- mouthwatering!!!
I have a difficult time spending more than $30 on a bottle of wine. I know, I'm cheap. : ) Someday I'll try a bottle of the good stuff. I'd be afraid I wouldn't know enough about the wine to appreciate the difference but maybe some of the more expensive wines are really that good and worth it.
I got you covered @ericvancewalton -- I will do a whole post on the best cabs for under $30. That's more my price range, too. CHEERS!
Cool, thanks. I really like McManis' Cab. That's in the $12 range but would interested in your suggestions! Casillero del Diablo is pretty good in that price range too.
Haha @ericvanwalton .... here in South Africa we have some stunning Cab Savs and your average price would be $8 to $25 !! The exchange rate is R13 to $1 .... hence the apparent cheapness .
I haven't tried many South African wines @themagus! Can you suggest any brands?
My favourite brand is Hartenberg, although mostly I drink the Durbanville Hills Shiraz as they are more affordable for daily consumption.
Kanonkop, highly recommended as is Rust en Vrede, which stands for Rest and Peace or Contentment. The last named is upmarket and I only celebrate occassions with their wine.
tannins are not what makes wine dry. Lack of residual sugar is.
I stand corrected... I should have said they make wine taste dry.
http://winefolly.com/review/what-are-tannins-in-wine
@macksby, you have given me a whole new reason to explore the Pinots. Thank you for this informative post. You are right about the best wine is the wine we drink with friends. How true!
Thanks so much @fairytalelife... From what I have garnered about you here on steemit -- Pinot's are perfect for such a whimsical soul, as yourself... Quite rare, and extremely unique.
wow this is awesome. i love wines., i drink a lot before going to work. thanks for this post. it was fun. Thanks!
Thanks @quantumin... Im glad you liked it. CHEERS!
I really appreciate your article and will be waiting for the next.
Thank you.
I like my wine to.
I liked it so much I published a short story about some nasty business going down on the "Left bank of the Gironde."
Check it out if you get the time
https://steemit.com/story/@franks/a-short-story-noble-rot-by-frank-sonderborg
I will follow your articles with interest.
Thanks @franks, I appreciate it. I will be sure to check out your link -- it sounds, right up my alley. Consider yourself followed, also... à votre santé!
You have prompted me one idea about wine too. We have perfect Carmel wines here in Haifa. I will write about them too. In my today's post I have placed a picture of Templars wine.. What a day today!))) It is far to the week-end, but we are talking about wines))))
Hey @borishaifa... It's never to early to talk wine :)) :)) I don't think I ever had Carmel wine. Im not even sure what it is... I will be interested to read your post. CHEERS!
Excellent, I even know some producers. So post about Carmel wines is in my list ;-) Thank you for idea, @macksby!