No matter what time of year it is there is always a reason to open a good Pinot Noir. The classic pairing of Turkey and Pinot Noir goes back hundreds of thousands of years when most of the earth’s surface was covered in vast oceans of rich red wine and far-reaching forests of delicious Turkey Trees. Alright that may or may not be true, but still the two go together perfectly. My history knowledge might be a little questionable, but my wine suggestions are rooted deep in empty glasses, discarded corks and full recycling bins. Get your glass and join me for five perfectly pairable choices for your table.
2011 Rochioli Vineyards Russian River Pinot Noir
The 2011 Rochioli Russian River Pinot has everything you’re looking for to impress both your friends and your palate. The bright Bing cherry is weighted with the balance of acidity and earthiness that round out each sip. The Russian River Valley itself is comprised of a highly sought after soil called “Goldridge Soil“, that provides a perfect place for Pinot Noir to grow, giving it a minerality that brings out the fruit flavors in the profile.
The 14.5% alcohol is mellowed by spending 15 months in lightly charred French oak barrels. Rochioli’s reputation for top-tier consistency, award winning wines and beautiful expressions in wine manifests itself into every bottle they produce.
2012 Foxen Fe Ciega Vineyard Pinot Noir
This one is a bit of a teaser because it’s a bit elusive, but well worth the treasure hunt. The 2012 Foxen Fe Ciega Vineyards Pinot Noir is seductive, luscious, full bodied and gets better with every sip. Hailing from the Santa Rita Hills just outside of Santa Barbara, California, it’s filled with nuances of strawberries, raspberries, vanilla and bright plum. Despite it’s low profile, it has garnished quite a few accolades in the wine world taking home a 92 rating from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate and a whopping 94 points from Antonio Galloni.
As with most of the wondrous places where wine thrives, the Santa Rita Hills are comprised of ancient sea floor, so the flavor profile is filled with layers of nuances that weave together to make a truly outstanding wine. If you are lucky enough to find one of these bottles in the wild, or barter for one, grab it and don’t let go.
2012 Longoria Vineyard Lovely Rita
A wine that is both easy to drink and dear to my heart is the 2012 Lovely Rita from Longoria. Rick Longoria, the wine maker, owner and godfather of wine in the Santa Ynez Valley, is a huge fan of Classic Rock, so whenever he can work in a reference to a great song (the Beatles’ Lovely Rita) he will do it. The Lovely Rita was constructed to be the perfect example of what the Santa Rita Hills has to offer. The telltale hints of strawberry and lavender burst through the bouquet and set the tone for an amazing wine. As the wine begins to open up as the air swirls through it, new aspects reveal themselves like twists and turns in a Dan Brown book.
2011 Josephy Drouhin Côte de Nuits-Villages
No list would be complete without a stunning, complex and classic Burgundy. Joseph Drouhin produces a wide array of Burgundy wines ranging for easy drinking table wine to bottles that you would have to sell a kidney to afford. The Joseph Drouhin Côte de Nuits-Villages 2011 won’t set you back too badly, and is the perfect French counterpart to pair with our unique American holiday.
As the wine unfolds, aromas of cherry and sweet spice dominate the nose, but every lush, velvety sip showcases the mastery of the blending of skill, passion and heritage that runs so deeply with the Drouhin brand.
2012 Owen Roe Pinot Noir Durant Vineyard
2012 Owen Roe Pinot Noir Durant VineyardStepping out of the box and into a part of the wine world that is often overlooked, the Own Roe Durant Vineyard Pinot Noir is a prime example of a true hidden treasure. Representing the Dundee Hills AVA, Owen Roe has made its bones by buying the best fruit available from world renown vineyards and showcasing the gems of the Pacific Northwest. Jam-packed with bright red plum, raspberries and oak, the fruit from the Durant Vineyard is blend of elegance and strength. If you haven’t had the pleasure of sampling the offerings of Oregon, do yourself and your palate a favor and crack open a bottle.
Pinot Noir has gained a mass following these past few years and for good reason. The light red wine pairs well with a wide array of meats, cheeses, delicacies and game-time foods. From Duck to Burgers, there is a Pinot that will make a wonderful sidekick to any meal. Grab a bottle, have a swirl, and enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labors.
Looks like a good list! Most are new to me except the Joseph Drouhin. Pinot is definitely my wine of choice for the holiday!