Giving Thanks to Pinot Noir

By / Wine + Drinks / October 8th, 2014 / 2

You’ll hear it said time and time again: Thanksgiving is a time for Pinot Noir, but is it truth or just a myth?

Pinot Noir with all that acidity, that fruit and that funkiness matches so well with turkey it can be a transcendental experience; it is said that many people in North America start their love affair with the grape around Thanksgiving because there is just so much of it being poured.

Whichever side of the coin you fall I’m here to perpetuate the truth/myth with a few of Pinot Noir recommendations of my own.

Coyote’s Run 2012 Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir, Ontario ($24.95)

Nose is floral / violet with cherry creeping round back; flavours keep the floral and turn the cherries black all while delivering on good tannins and balancing acidity. This one has delicacy and finesse.

Norman Hardie 2012 County Unfiltered Pinot Noir, Prince Edward County ($39.00)

Hardie knows how to make attractive, approachable Pinot Noir that appeal to both the masses and the critics. Aromas of sour cherry and violet dominated; sour plum, chalky mineral all wrapped around a sweet fruited core.

Plowbuster 2012 Pinot Noir, Oregon ($25.95)

This one leans a little more California than Burgundy with all that pretty vanilla, dusky dark cherry and hints of plum, but it’s the acidity that rescues it from coming across as sweet.

Domaine Marchand-Grillot 2012 Morey-Saint Denis, Burgundy ($54.95)

Those who tell you Burgundy is losing its touch best be trying this Pinot, it has an elegance of great fruit with dusty tannins and a lively acidity on the finish.

For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael is an award-winning journalist: Promoting the Promoters Award Cuvée 2010 and Ontario Wine Awards Journalist of the Year 2012.  He is also a national and international wine judge - Ontario Wine Awards, All Canadian Wine Championships; Best of Riesling — Germany; Essencia do Vinho — "Top Wines of Portugal".  He is currently the President of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada and the wine columnist for Ottawa Life and Grand magazine as well as regular contributor to Tidings, and Grapevine ... his reviews have also appeared in the LCBO Vintages magazine. Michael has also added a YouTube channel to his activities where he reviews bottles of great Ontario wine on a weekly basis. In whatever he does, it is Michael’s desire to educate, inspire and encourage others to grow their own love and enthusiasm for wine – and to realize that it is their palate that ultimately makes the decision.

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