Why is Pinot Noir the trending vine today?
The Pinot Noir variety is native to the French Burgundy region, a terroir where wines achieved such a degree of complexity and elegance that helped them become one of the most renowned and expensive wines at a global scale. In recent years, the cultivation of this variety spread to colder regions in other wine-producing countries, and the quality of the wines these provide has been enhanced, along with their growing consumption rates. Today, their elegant, fresh and lively wines are a major trend across the world.
Historically, Pinot Noir has been considered one of the finest and most delicate vines. First of all, because, together with the Chardonnay variety, they form the backbone of the world’s most famous wine: Champagne. Besides, as a variety, it also gives rise to widely prestigious wines, which may cost thousands of dollars per bottle today, such as the Comte Liger-Belair and the Romanée-Conti, limited edition cult labels from France which are an object of desire for all connoisseurs.
Nonetheless, in the last few years, the renown earned by this subtly appealing variety also spread outside France. Nowadays, top quality Pinot Noir wines are made in Sonoma County (California), in New Zealand, and even in the Chilean and Argentinean coldest terroirs, as in these regions, their maturation cycle (which is naturally fast) extends for additional structure and varietal typicity. In Mendoza, the production remains limited, but something is clear: the results are unsurpassable in the altitude at which the Uco Valley is located.
But which are the key aspects behind this international trend? First, Pinot Noir seduces from everything it lacks: it is neither fruity, of great volume, of broad mouth, nor heavy and satiating.
But which are the key aspects behind this international trend? First, Pinot Noir seduces from everything it lacks: it is neither fruity, of great volume, of broad mouth, nor heavy and satiating. Conversely, this vine is subtly expressed and provides wines of good texture, delicate acidity and medium body. These are more feminine than other red wines, in the best sense of the word.
At first sight, it stands out for its pale red colour -somewhat brownish- that is part of its distinctive identity. A wide range of floral, fruity -raspberry and cherry-, and sometimes mineral notes can be sensed through the nose, depending on the composition of the soil where grapes are harvested. A velvety texture can be perceived in the mouth, in addition to a lively acidity, a certain degree of austerity, and a roughness-free and light body. This variety needs us to work manually, patiently, devoting the time required to achieve a complex and tasty red wine, those that captivate wine lovers and novices who are just entering the world of wine.
As for the drinking situations, Pinot Noir is a beverage that can be served alone or as an aperitif, to make the most of its fineness. However, it also pairs well with fancy cheeses of subtle flavours, grilled prawn or fatty fish, such as tuna or salmon.
Our varietal Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir is made from grapes born in vines that were planted in the Uco Valley over 25 years ago. Its aromas are intense and balanced, featuring notes of black fruits and spices, while a smoked aftertaste and incipient tannins can be perceived in the mouth. It is clean and lively in the palate, of a well-defined character and an expressive finish with floral hints. This is a wine that truthfully reflects the antiquity of its vineyards and the varietal purity of this peculiar variety that captivates the world today.