WINO 101

Hello friends and wine lovers! At long last, the tasting we’ve all been waiting for! Pinot Noir!

Once known simply as the noble grape of the Burgundy region, Pinot Noir is now also grown elsewhere. Like here. My intentions were certainly not to focus on Oregon Pinot Noir, yet it would be near to impossible not to include at least one. Many Oregon winemakers often boast about having the growing region that is on the 56th parallel, the same as Burgundy. I personally don’t see how that makes much of a difference, considering all the other factors taken into making wine, as well as considering all the other regions of the world ALSO on the same parallel. . .like Wisconsin. But you never hear anything about Wisconsin wine. Not anything good, anyway. Wisconsin, however, makes great cheese that goes well with Pinot Noir.

Wait, where was I? Ah, yes. Oregon. Other factors made it daft to try Pinot Noir in Oregon. Colder climate, shorter growing season, and the legendary rainfall. Long-story-short, people did it anyway, and the grape prospered, and the Oregonian wine-growers threw it in the faces of all those who said it couldn’t be done. Then, once an Oregon Pinot Noir beat a Burgundy in a blind tasting, the prices doubled and tripled. Burgundy and Oregon aside, Pinot Noirs are grown in many regions that are accustomed to cooler climates. I chose a smattering of what the world has to offer. It was all a tough choice, and only every other one is from Oregon.

Tomorrow, Friday the 19th of September, from 4:30-9:00,
I will be pouring for you and all of your friends (hint, hint):

Domaine Parigot 2000 Bourgogne Hautes-Cotes De Beaune, France
Cuneo 2001 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Ninth Island 2002 Pinot Noir, Tazsmania, Australia
Idylwood 1999 Pinot Noir, Corral Creek Vineyard, Wilamette Valley, Oregon
Saint Claire 2001 Pinot Noir, Doctor’s Creek, New Zealand

And the Extra 2:
Chehalem 2001 Three Vineyard, Wilamette Valley, Oregon
and the one I couldn’t resist for the namesake. . .
Carpe Diem 2000 Pinot Noir, Firepeak Vineyard, Edna Valley, California

Quite a bargain at $10 for the first 5, and $6 for the Extra 2.

I’m really excited about this one. It should be the best one yet.
Feel free to bring crackers and cheese. Bread will be available.

Hope to see you here!
Seize the Wine!
M

Next week is Zinfandel!