Pinot Noir

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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!