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A Collection of Pinot Noirs for Every Palate
A Collection of Pinot Noirs for Every Palate
by Jane Augustine
Most of us gravitate toward Pinot Noir naturally, having had at least one, if not several, highly pleasurable or even life-changing bottles. What’s challenging, however, is remembering how Pinot tastes from each of the places it grows. With so much nuance across vintages and terroirs, how could you? We’ve put together a mini collection of Pinots from France and Italy to remind you of the stark differences and more subtle surprises possible from this beloved variety.
Kuentz-Bas
France | Alsace
Looking for a red Burgundy dupe with an everyday price tag? This is the one. Kuentz-Bas’ Pinot Noir is juicy, tart, and generously spiced.
Ferruccio Carlotto
Italy | Alto Adige
Carlotto’s inviting Pinot Nero showcases the softer qualities of the variety when grown in a cool climate. Its unique perfume is like a breath of Alpine air and fragrant bergamot black tea.
Cuna
Italy | Tuscany
Of all the Pinots featured here, this is our mystery fellow. With an unmistakably Italian nose—cocoa, worn leather—it recalls the grippy tannins of a bright Chianti and the stateliness of an aged Bordeaux.
René Bouvier
France | Burgundy | Fixin
Fixin is known as the “rustic cousin” to Gevrey-Chambertin, but Bouvier’s Crais de Chêne is refined and easy to adore—it is fruit-forward, balanced, and vibrant.
Domaine Gachot-Monot
France | Burgundy | Beaune
Les Montrevenots is a vineyard on the southern limits of the Beaune appellation, just across the road from the Pommard border. In the hands of Damien Gachot, it’s a steal and an under-the-radar knockout.
Domaine Lucien Boillot et Fils
France | Burgundy | Volnay
Lighting candles for dinner isn’t something I do every night, but opening this premier cru Volnay on a Monday called for a touch of ceremony. It is an exquisite example of Pierre Boillot’s artistry; distinguished and intriguing, it exudes cinnamon, morello cherry, and peony.
Looking for a red Burgundy dupe with an everyday price tag? This is the one. Kuentz-Bas’ Pinot Noir is juicy, tart, and generously spiced.
Carlotto’s inviting Pinot Nero showcases the softer qualities of the variety when grown in a cool climate. Its unique perfume is like a breath of Alpine air and fragrant bergamot black tea.
Of all the Pinots featured here, this is our mystery fellow. With an unmistakably Italian nose—cocoa, worn leather—it recalls the grippy tannins of a bright Chianti and the stateliness of an aged Bordeaux.
Fixin is known as the “rustic cousin” to Gevrey-Chambertin, but Bouvier’s Crais de Chêne is refined and easy to adore—it is fruit-forward, balanced, and vibrant.
Les Montrevenots is a vineyard on the southern limits of the Beaune appellation, just across the road from the Pommard border. In the hands of Damien Gachot, it’s a steal and an under-the-radar knockout.
Lighting candles for dinner isn’t something I do every night, but opening this premier cru Volnay on a Monday called for a touch of ceremony. It is an exquisite example of Pierre Boillot’s artistry; distinguished and intriguing, it exudes cinnamon, morello cherry, and peony.
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