Affordable Pinot Noirs from Chile

pinot_girl — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 21:37:09 +0000

Pinot Noir is great to have with friends who (1) have beginner’s red wine palates and the Cabs of the world are just too much for them AND (2) guzzle wine like beer making you wonder why you served it in the first place. But alas, at my age, you typically still have friends in both categories at your little parties, so accomodating both is a must. In addition, Pinot pairs well with a host of foods. But more importantly, it doesn’t require me to break my piggy bank. For about $15 to $20, I can find a bottle of Pinot Noir that most of my friends will appreciate and still drinkable for me too!

Two such recommendations are both from Maule Valley, Chile and available through My Wines Direct:

Baco Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2006 ~ $14.99/bottle
One member comment says it best “Consider getting case for a casual party where people expect 2 buck chuck…it’s so much nicer, but not expensive. It tells your friends you are worldly and have standards, but not uptight. Light and easy to drink”
Buy online now

Candelaria Pinot Noir 2006 ~ $15.99 per bottle
According to the tasting notes, its “Medium-bodied, it starts to show some earthy notes on the palate, and even a touch of smokiness on the finish; tannins are light and smooth”. Sounds like the perfect Pinot Noir for my friends – no sour looks here!
Buy online now

Not suprisingly, tasting notes for both suggests serving with pork, chicken, salmon and mushroom based vegetarian dishes.

Wine Suggestions of the Week

pinot_girl — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:45:31 +0000

If you’re looking for some a new Pinot Noir to taste, why not try these three:

2007 Hirsch Vineyards Bohan Dillon Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($30)
Recently pegged by the San Francisco Chronicle as their wine of the week to food and wine newsletter subscribers. It’s said to “start with rosewater, brown spice and roasted cherry and then does a black flip: flavors of tangy raspberry, fresh strawberry and a firm mineral underpinning appear, giving it juicy distinction and nuance”. Sounds delicious (almost like they are describing something other than wine) and definitely on my list to try.

2007 Migration Anderson Valley Pinot Noir ($34)
According to Sommelier Courtney Cochran, this Pinot Noir is a great buy and “stellar stand-in” for the Pinot Noir that was served at President Obama’s inauguration lunch produced by the same winery – Goldeneye – which cost $55. I’m all for great tasting wines at cheaper prices, especially since I have yet to benefit from the so called stimulus package.

2006 Gundlach Bundschu Pinot Noir ($38) or 2005 Pinot Noir, Vadasz Vineyard ($32)
For 150 years Gun Bun has been making excellent wines. Their Pinot Noirs are no exception and at fair prices. However, it is hard to find their wines unless you visit the winery or purchase directly online!

Pinot » Where to Buy

Affordable Pinot Noirs from Chile

Wine Suggestions of the Week