Pinot Noir

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love...… Wine!!

Pinot Noir! First, how do you pronounce it? I've heard the correct way to pronounce “Pinot” is “Pee-no” with equal emphasis on both short syllables. I've also heard it said with more oomph on the first syllable, making it more like "PEE-no."  There are also many different ways to say "Noir." "N'war" is standard, but some like to say it with more flair, turning it into "Na-whar" or "No-aaaaaaaargh."

If you find the saying difficult! Try being the wine grower! The Pinot Noir grape is a finicky grape to grow. It needs the right growing conditions, wanting warm days and cool evenings. Which results in a red wine that is light-medium bodied, and fruit forward. This grape is also known as the “heart break grape” if the conditions are not 'just right' then all else may fail. But when done right it is a great wine.

Pinot Noir is the red grape of Burgundy. Which is now grown around the world; Germany, Oregon, California, Chile, British Columbia, Ontario and New Zealand to name only a few.

If you really want to join in on a Pinot Noir feast you have to attend the International Pinot Noir Celebration (click on highlighted area). This event is held every year in Oregon. Now, I have not been to this event, but I am adding it to my bucket list.

If you want to see a movie on this grape or read a book there are numerous of both. The most recent I have read is Vertical by Rex Pickett (novel)  Well, it was a book on CD, something to listen to while we drove down to the wine region of WALLA WALLA, Washington this summer.  We can't forget his previous novel, Sideways which became a very popular movie that brought the pinot grape to the forefront.

Pinot not only comes in red you can find a fine selection of Pinot in white. Here is a sample Pinot Gri, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Grigio only to name a few. Stay tuned for my next post on these wonderful wines.

Here are some Pinot Noir wines we have tasted and enjoyed.

Three Bear Ranch – B3

This wine hits the notes on flavor and price. Aroma - fresh cherries, strawberries, with a hint of vanilla; the palate has the same as aroma - cherry, strawberries,  some would say "jammy". A wine you can enjoy everyday with a price of $15.99. You should be able to find this wine in your local BC Liquor Store #627760.

Cherry Tart – Pinot Noir

From the creator of Layer Cake wines (see post Have your cake... and drink it too??). Aroma – cherries, red apple and a hint of clove; Palate - cranberries, cherries with a hint of strawberries with a long finish. This wine is full bodied and well rounded. Be warned your taste buds will ask for more. Cherry Tart Pinot Noir can be found in the BC Liquor Store #744623 for $29.99

Cameron Hughes Lot 403 Pinot Noir

This a good example of a Pinot Noir coming from the Russian River Region in California. Aroma – Cherry, raspberry with a hint earth; Palate – Cherry, Raspberry, vanilla with a hint of spice. A wine I will be buying again. Cameron Hughes Lot 403 can be found in a BC Liquor Store #469643 for a reasonable price of around $25.00. 

Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir

This is one wine we look for when we are out for dinner or for that special evening with friends or just the two of us.  Aroma – Cherry, plum, barnyard; Palate – Ripe strawberry, raspberry, and mushroom. This wine is deep dark, rich and delicious. Look for it in your local BC Liquor Store #278937 for a price of around $27.00

Burrowing Owl Pinot Noir - 2012
Here is a great example of a Pinot Noir from the Okanagan. Aromas - black cherry, earth, and a hint of compost; Palate - Rasberry, earth, black cherry with a hint of dried herbs and smooth tannins. This pinot had a nice long finish that wanted me to have another sip. I searched BC liquor stores web site and had no luck tracking it down. Let me say if you find it on the shelves of  any BCLS pick up a bottle or three.


Hope you enjoy some of my selections or all of them. As always please let me know what you think by leaving me a comment.

Ciao for now!

Chianti It has come a long way...

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love...… Wine

I can still see it now.  Flash back to the 80’s;  going into our favorite little Italian restaurant in Little Italy in Toronto. I can still sense the smells coming from the small family run kitchen, a vision of the red checker table cloth, the waiters in white shirts black pants (Italian of course), and the white candle in an empty straw-wrapped Chianti bottle with candle wax running down the sides sitting in the middle of the table. Ordering our favorite plate of pasta and a bottle of house red. You guessed it Chianti! Arriving to the table in a straw-wrapped bottle (fiascos).

That was the Chianti of the past, fast forward a few decades the Chianti has changed. BUT if you are sucker for nostalgia you can still find that straw-wrapped bottle (fiascos) of Chianti at a BCLS for $16.99.  

Chianti has come a long way. But there are many rules and laws about what can be labeled Chianti. The region of Chianti is even more confusing with seven sub regions in Tuscany. Classico and Ruffina are two of the most popular. In the Tuscan region “Chianti Classico” has to have at least 80 - 100% Sangiovese as the major grape. Chianti Classico has red and black cherry character, with notes of wild herbs, mint and spice, mellow tannins. Chianti Classico must have at least 12% alcohol and been aged for 7 months in oak. “Riserva” on the label lets you know it has been aged 27 months in oak and has 12.5% alcohol. Chianti Classico cannot be released until October 1^st the following vintage year.  I did warn you about confusing! On that note I will not get into DOC and DOCG. Just that if you see these on the label ENJOY!

Map of the Chianti Regions:

Map from Wikipedia

 


Now if you ever wondered what’s up with the Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) Emblem on the label. This dates back over 700 years. The label is placed on the neck of a wine bottle from the Chianti Classico zone. Wines with this emblem are of high standards and you know you are getting the real thing. Plus the wine makers have to offer the wine for a strict taste test. To read the story about the Black Rooster click on the link http://www.chianticlassico.com/en/faq/vino/

Enough already! Lets enjoy some Chianti and Chainti Classico.  Here are some we have tried and enjoyed. Click on the highlighted link in the wine description to find a BC Liquor Store that carries the wine.

2012 Toscolo Chianti (DOCG) 
Here is a nice bottle of Chianti, Nose is Red berry fruit with a hint of Oak; Palate - Cherry, smooth silkly tannins with a short finish. This makes a good everyday wine with a bowl of pasta. This wine may  be found at a speciality wine store.


2010 Chianti Classico Basilica Cafaggio Vendemmia (Single Estate) DOCG 
A nice Chianti Classico made from 100% Sangiovese. Nose - Spice, dark cherry, leather and oak; on the palate Spicy, nutmeg, dark cherry with a long finish. This wine is very good! I found this wine at a speciality wine store. It was brought in for a limited time. If you see this wine on the shelf grab a bottle or two! 

Toscolo Chianti; Chianti Classico Basilica Cafaggio Vendemmia  

2010 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico  (DOCG)

This one may look familiar as you can find it in most BC Liquor Stores. This is a wine you can enjoy on its own or with a meal. Nose - Cherry, leather and spice; Palate - Tart Cherry, Cedar and a hint of leather and tobacco. We enjoyed this one! This can be found at your local BC Liquor Store SKU 45195

2011 Chianti Classico Cecchi DOCG

The Black Rooster is front and centre on the label which means it is the real thing (Chianti Classico)! This wine is made from 90% Sangiovesse, 10% other which consist of Canaiolo and Colorino. On the nose tobacco, dark cherry and earthiness; Palate - Sour Cherry, smoke with a long finish. Worth the buy at $20.00. You should be able to find this on the shelf at a BC Liquor Store SKU 113613

2010 Peppoli Chianti Classico DOCG 

We enjoyed this wine on Pizza Friday! This wine is made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and Syrah. Another wine with the Red Rooster. Nose - Bright red fruit, vanilla, sweet herbs and a hint of wood; Palate - Red fruit, chocolate with smooth tannins and a long finish. This wine went great with our pizza but it will stand up to other types of food. Give it a try! It can be found on the shelves at the BC Liquor Store SKU 606541

Ruffio Riserva Ducale, Chianti Classico Cecchi

Enjoy these Chianti's and Chianti Classico's!!

Ciao for now!

WIne Festival Pointers

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love...… Wine

It is that time again!

It's time for the Vancouver International Wine Festival. This year France will be the theme country with a focus on bubbly. France will be represented by the following regions: Bourgogne (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay); Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot Sauvignon Blanc Semillon and Mucadelle); Rhone Valley (Syrah, Grenache, Roussane and Viognier); Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier); and Beaujolais (Gamay and Chardonnay) to name a few. There will also be a great variety of other wineries in the tasting room from Canada to Israel. This year there will be 178 wineries from 14 countries pouring over 780 wines!  I am sure you won't be able to taste them all. So the best way to enjoy the evening is to plan.

Here are some pointers that I put together that I use when I attend the Wine Festival.

1. Have a designated driver or plan to take transit. Remember be responsible!
2. Make a list - It can become overwhelming with over 780 wines. Which is daunting in itself. So a list of wines, winery or region you want to taste will make the experience more enjoyable. 
3. Take Notes on your choices - after tasting 27 wines you will not remember the first. I had notes saying which wine I liked. Simple notes are best.  These notes will also come in handy when/if you want to buy the wine at the end of the festival. The BCLB will have a wine shop at there.
4. Spit the wine - again 27 wines?  Trust me you will want to spit. If you are not sure how to do this practise at home before attending the event. Purse your lips together and force the wine out of your mouth into the bucket provided once you had a good taste. The key is to taste by swirling the wine in your mouth and then spit it into the bucket provided. Aim well!
5. Do not stand in front of the table or spit bucket - Once you get your taster move aside and let others in. Do not stand in front of the spit bucket unless you want to get sprayed! 
6. Talk to the people representing the winery. You never know the person pouring may have their name on the bottle. Remember do not hog their time.
7. Do not wear white - Yes! red wine likes white clothes.
8. The night goes fast so if there is a line up at the table move to the next and come back at a later time
9. Eat before you go, most wine tastings only have small food samplers.

If you do not like large crowds the tasting room will not be for you. Try one of the smaller events that are available during the event. Book early to get a ticket or two for one of the Lunches, Minglers, Dinners or seminars. Check out the web site at Vancouver International Wine Festival. The festival runs from February 24th to March 2nd, 2014.

If you cannot make the festival this year try a wine from one of the many regions that will be represented this year. Let me help you get started with my three selections from the Rhone Valley.
I have attached a map below of the Major AOC wine producing regions and a map of the Rhone Valley.

France Wine Regions - winewitandwisdomswe.com

Rhone Wine Map - vinofiles.com

Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Chateau de la Gardine

This wine is a blend of Granche (60%), Mourvedre (20%), and Muscardin (5%). This last grape is used primarily in Rhone as a blending grape. Nose - gamely, plum, cherry and sweet herbs; Palate - Red Fruit, sweet herbs and a hint of coffee, and nice long finish. A great wine that will improve with a few more years in the bottle or drink it now and enjoy. You may find this wine at the BCLD near you.

Esprit Du Rhone - Cotes Du Rhone Reserve 2005
This Cotes Du Rhone makes a nice everyday wine. When you have had a bad day or need to kick back this is the one. Nose - Dark Cherry, earth and thyme spice; Palate - Dark Cherry, forest floor, spice with smooth tannins. This wine you may find in a speciality wine store like Marquis Wine Cellars or Everything Wines.  If you cannot find the one I reviewed try this Cotes Du Rhone - Delas St. Esprit. The price point on this is slightly higher but still below $20.00

Chusclan - Cotes Du Rhone Villages - 2004
This wine is a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Nose - Spice, forest floor and dark fruit; Palate - Dark Fruit, earth, plum and pepper spice on the finish. Another nice wine from the Rhone. I purchased this at a speciality wine store. Unfortunately you will not be able to find it in the BCLD. If you happen to see it on the shelf pick up a bottle or two.

Enjoy the wines listed above and if you find a different wine you enjoyed let me know!


à la prochaine
(until next time)