2007 Cono Sur Pinot Noir, Chile (RMB 109)
Available from Pernod Ricard. Contact Daisy Wang (Daisy.Wang@pernod-ricard-china.com) 13466329273

Pinot Noir is hard to get right and make affordable, but this example from Chilean producer Cono Sur is excellent value. Chile is also likely to produce increasingly interesting Pinot Noirs as it discovers the potential of new regions such as Limari.

Medium red in colour, the nose has perfumed red cherry and raspberry fruit whilst the palate combines lively acidity, silky tannins and good length.

2007 Momo Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand (RMB 247)
Available from The Wine Republic. Contact: Matt Bahen, Email: matt@thewinerepublic.com www.thewinerepublic.com

This wine comes from an excellent producer, Seresin Estate. New Zealand’s Marlborough region may be better known for Sauvignon Blanc, but it also has some charming Pinot Noirs. Lovely medium ruby in colour, the nose has appealing red cherry fruit, Pinot Noir’s violet-scented perfume and elegant oak.

The palate has silky fine tannins, lovely refreshing acidity, great fruit and impressive length. For the Chinese market, this wine represents especially good value.

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(Photo: The Hill of Corton with crop-thinned Pinot Noir)

Aromatic Red Varieties: Pinot Noir

Although the Chinese autumn is short, the welcome change in temperature means that many wine lovers turn to red wines for comfort. But not everyone likes to drink big, full-bodied, high-alcohol reds. If you would like something often elegant, usually lighter-bodied and wonderfully perfumed, Pinot Noir is the answer.

Pinot Noir will typically have lovely red fruits, aromas of violets or other flowers – Pinot has its own distinctive perfume – combining with lighter tannins and the refreshing acidity that makes it such a good partner to many types of foods.

Pinot Noir is, however, difficult to grow and only comes from distinct regions. Its home is France’s Burgundy region, but the variable climate means that you should only choose red Burgundies from the best producers. New Zealand, especially in the Martinborough and Central Otago regions, produces excellent Pinot Noir. Australia too, in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Geelong regions of Victoria, has some great Pinot Noirs.

Good-value Pinots can also be found from Chile; whilst the wines of Oregon and certain parts of California (Sonoma, Carneros), although often expensive, can be very high in quality (see this month’s Wine Picks for some good value Pinot Noirs available in China).

Amazingly, Pinot Noirs from warmer climates – especially Australia – can even go well with Sichuan cuisine.

If you don’t believe us, try any well-made New World Pinot Noir with kou shui ji (mouth-watering chicken). You may be surprised! Or go for a sparkling white wine rich in Pinot Noir. This works brilliantly too with chilli-hot and aromatic, spicy cuisines.

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