THE weather seems to be improving so it’s time to make the most of the long, bright summer days with a glass of
Pinot Noir. Soft, silky and luxurious, it is a pale lightweight compared to a rich,
full-bodied cabernet sauvignon. Its sweet perfume and raspberry-cherry fruits make it the perfect lunchtime red for sipping in the sunshine.
A thin-skinned grape that’s notoriously tricky to grow (the small berries are prone to rot, produce lower yields and shy away from extreme heat), Pinot Noir is native to Burgundy.
Producers across the world have turned their hand to harvesting this grape and California, Chile and New Zealand can all lay claim to delivering delicate, elegant styles from their cool climate regions.
On the downside, perfection comes at a price and Pinot Noir tends to be that little bit more expensive than its rivals.
Here’s a few that don’t put too much pressure on the pounds in your pocket.
Asda Extra Special New Zealand Pinot Noir, Asda, £7.97. Pinot Noir loves the cool climate of New Zealand and in particular the favoured microclimate of Marlborough. This Wither Hills produced red is a typically silky smooth star, full of raspberry fruit flavours. Superb with duck.
Fairbank Pinot Noir, £8, Sainsburys
Also, Fairbank Pinot Noir, Sainsburys, £8. Pinot Noir has been grown in France for centuries and it is used to make some of their finest red wines. A little more than 30 years ago the vineyard owners in Australia though that they would give it a go too and they have done a pretty good job.
Fairbank Pinot Noir is a soft, warming red with flavours of raspberry, black cherry and just a hint or peppery spice. It is fantastic served with creamy cheeses.
Or Brancott Estate Pinot Noir, is on offer in Tesco until June 2 – was £11.49 – now £8.61. A great wine with a mix of red cherry and dark berry fruit flavours – slightly earthy, spicy and hints of oak on the nose with a lingering finish.
