WINES OF THE WORLD -- A SERIES…

Wines of the World is a new series that will introduce you to a variety of wines from beautiful landscapes dotting the globe. And hopefully instill some knowledge and insights.., to make picking a good wine, not such a daunting task. Wineries / Vineyards are beautiful not just to the eye.., but the all senses, as well… They can inspire ones spirit and nourish the soul -- all in a glimpse.

The dedication that is required.., to achieve the level of grape that is suitable to produce this "Nectar of the Gods..," is mind-boggling. The hours upon hours of care.., and attention to detail, is unlike anything you can imagine. It takes a very special kind of person to undertake such an overwhelming endeavor… 

If you have ever been to one of these awe inspiring settings.., you know what I mean… And, if you have never had the pleasure to visit a vineyard or winery… You are missing out on a slice of life, that has the ability to touch your very soul.., just by it's sheer presence.

If it sounds like I am a fan of vineyards, and the very special product they produce -- Wine. That would be correct. Very few places on this earth display such perfection. But, just as the wines they produce.., they can be, I will admit, slightly intimidating. So, with a little understanding of the different aspects of wine… The subtle characteristics they can embody, we can begin to enjoy wine in a whole new way -- without being afraid of it…

But no matter how skilled or deep your knowledge of wine is… Please, always remember.., the best wines are the ones we drink with friends. 

So, lets get to it… WAIT -- Before we start, I'd like to mention, one more thing… There are all kinds of "rules" that people might want to impose on your choice of wine. Why, it is good to know some of these.., nothing is written in stone. And when it comes, right down it -- drink what you like!

Now that, that is out of the way...

With the weather starting to cool off, a bit… I would recommend putting down the rosé. And choosing something, more fitting for the season -- something with a little more body.., but not quite as big or bold as a hearty Cabernet.., not yet.

Pinot Noir's have a more delicate, subtleness to them… Just like the grape itself, which can be a "bitch" (excuse me) to grow -- in other words, it doesn't like bad weather! Pinot''s are gentle and sexy. Even the color a paler red, compared to the deep red of a Cabernet. But still strong enough to hold it's own with a nice piece of duck. And the one I have chosen for us, even a rib-eye.

Fall is the perfect time to indulge in a nice glass of Pinot Noir. even the grape, itself is grown in slightly cooler temperatures. And although, French in name and from the Burgundy region… Pinot's are grown all over the world with some of the best coming from Sonoma California and Oregon (my favorite).

Besides fall being the perfect time to enjoy a good Pinot Noir… It is the 10th most planted grape variety in the world and has developed a hardcore, almost cultish following of wine enthusiasts -- they love this grape. It is also, one of the oldest grapes -- 1000 years older than Cabernet, dating back to Roman times.

The wine I am about to introduce you to.., is also one of my favorite:

Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir "Notorious" 2012

   

Tasting Notes:

This wine is deeper in color than most Pinot's (more ruby red), not as shallow in color like others… It has been described as "the most romantic of wines." Not many wines evoke such a description, so please take note of that…

It's has aromas of: Black cherries and blackberries (darker berries than most Pinot's). Some nutmeg and a little cinnamon. A tad of incense and some smoky oak.

Velvety in texture (lush), as it hits your tongue. With flavors of cherry, plum, some clove and a hint of leather. And even a touch of cocoa.

The finish has just right amount of tannins (what makes wine taste dry - they come from the grape skins, seeds and stems) to balance out the lush fruit, perfectly. To be honest, it is very hard to find a wine with a finish as balanced as this one.

"Only somebody who really takes the time to understand Pinot's potential can then coax it into its fullest expression. Then, I mean, oh its flavors, they're just the most haunting and brilliant and thrilling and subtle and... ancient on the planet."

Madeline Triffon, one of only two woman master sommelier's from the United States, refers to Pinot Noir as -- Sex in a Glass… And on a more personal note -- I had the opportunity to meet Madeline, while she was part of a, women in wine conference, in New York City a few years ago…

She is a lovely woman… But as she walked up to my bar and asked me to recommend a red wine to go with her duck, I knew I was being tested, by the best -- I didn't blink. I immediately suggested the wine we are reviewing, right here… She went on to ask me to describe the flavor profile -- and I recited, almost word for word, what you all have just read (the bar manager was crapping in his pants). To say, she was pleasantly surprised, would be an understatement.

What she did next.., was extremely cool of her… She called over the General Manager and proceeded to tell him, she has not heard a bartender in New York City describe a wine so brilliantly. She ordered 2 bottles for the table (one of which was on me), after informing us, she was only coming to the bar for one glass, but after a description like that, she ordered for the whole table.

That is another great point… When dining with a group of people that are having a variety of entrees, Pinot Noir is definitely the go to wine. It pairs, so well with so many things, meat, fish or veggies.., you can't go wrong.

And for you wine and cheese lovers… Pinot Noir pairs amazingly well with a nice piece of brie.

What makes this one of, if not my favorite Pinot Noir's is it's similarities to a Syrah (another great fall wine). They are bigger, bolder and deeper in color than most Pinot's. But no matter your level of wine knowledge -- from beginner, to the most seasoned "foodie" you will be able to appreciate the subtle complexities of the Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir "Notorious" 2012.

Now that you have a better understanding of a Pinot Noir.., you can look for these qualities, the next time you enjoy a nice bottle on a brisk fall night with friends.., or a significant other...

After all, there is a reason it is referred to as -- sex in a glass!

Cost: $75-$80

Side Notes: To really enjoy this wine, like the quote above.., I would definitely suggest "letting it breathe," as they say -- for at least an hour, two if you have the time. Decanting (pouring into a decanter will fasten this process, letting the air get at this wine, really brings out all this subtleties).

Most establishments, especially these days.., pour a 5 oz glass of wine. It was, and is supposed to be a 6 oz pour, for a proper glass of wine. Of course, this is when drinking by the glass.

I, myself.., when drinking a bottle at home or with friends, at a nice wine bar… Like to use a 4 oz pour. It gives me more room to swirl the wine in my glass, letting the more unpleasant compounds (smells) dissipate. It lets your wine breathe, allowing oxygen to attach itself to the tannins and mellow them out a bit. It releases the aroma on a whole new level (try it…). And last but not least -- you look like a pro…

Pinot Noir's tend to be a little pricier than other reds, due to there popularity.., but are well within reach for your everyday wine drinker… And, if you feel like pushing the budget, you could always go for a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) Monopole Romanée-Conti Pinot Noir 1990 -- for a very modest, $13,999.

And just so you know DRC is considered one of the best wine producers in the world, located in Burgundy, France. Not impressed, yet… A case of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, also known as DRC, was sold at auction for $476,280, the most expensive pinot noir ever!

I hope some of you that read this review, actually take the time to go out and try this wine.

If you have any questions or recommendations for a wine you would like reviewed, please comment below.., and follow @macksby Cheers!

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Quote: Sideways 

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