The New Home of Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir. The name conjures up the image of a barge cruising down the Canal de Bourgogne. Onboard, creamy cheese is being smeared across baguettes while waiting for the coq-au-vin to be served, the gently wafting scent of chicken recipes coming from a distant kitchen below decks. A glass of Chambolle-Musigny is swirled and savoured. Then replaced with a Central Otago Pinot Noir.
France may be the romantic heart of this fine wine but it’s the New World that is creating a storm of outstanding feedback. And no one is doing it better than New Zealand. The Martinborough and Central Otago Pinots in particular are producing some truly excellent wines with deep, black cherry and plum notes that linger long on the palate and longer in memory.
Try the Felton Road Pinot Noir (Central Otago) 2007. This is a wine packed with fruit, with typical cherry bursting on the palate but also with a hint of cinnamon making its presence felt.
Another fantastic offering is the 2008 Pinot Noir from Ata Rangi. This Martinborough winemaker has created a work of art that’s almost too good to drink. Almost. This is a wine that develops as you drink it. The floral tones immediately present give way to long lasting fruit that slides, silky smooth down the throat, leaving an excellent impression long after the last few drops have disappeared.
These are just two of the many amazing Pinot Noirs created in New Zealand. While Sauvignon Blanc has been the global focus for this country, the Burgundian styled red is rapidly gathering wine-savvy fans.
The Pinot Noir regions of New Zealand benefit from the cool, dry climates found in the higher plateaus dotted around the country. They are capable of producing some excellent drinking wines, both now and after some cellaring. If you only drink French wine and think you know Pinot Noir, think again. From the world’s most southerly vineyards comes a wine experience you will never forget.
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