Domaine De La Romanee Conti
They say all wine roads eventually lead to Burgundy and specifically to its Pinot Noir wines. Some of the most respected (and expensive) wines come from here, none more famous or expensive than those of Domaine De La Romanee Conti.
Pinot Noir is a small berry grape with sweet juice and little tannin due to its thin skin. This thin skin and tight bunch formation can lead to problems of rot. Its temperamental for sure but when its good, it’s simply sublime.
Remember the movie “Sideways” and the monologue from Miles on Pinot . . . . . . . . .
“Um, it’s a hard grape to grow … it’s thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early … it’s not a survivor like Cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and thrive even when it’s neglected. No, Pinot needs constant care and attention … it can only grow in these really specific, little, tucked away corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand Pinot’s potential can then coax it into its fullest expression.”
How could you not rush out and buy a bottle after that
So here are some flavours and aromas to look out for . . . .
- Cherry
- Strawberry
- Pickle
- Stalky
- Cranberry
- Raspberry
- Blackberry
- Plum
- Violet
- Rose Petals
- Gamey
- Barnyard
- Bacon Fat
- Earthy
- Beetroot
- Forest Floor
- Truffle
- Cola
- Tar
- Prune
- Spice
Outside of Burgundy, lovely examples can be found elsewhere in France, Germany (Spatburgunder), New Zealand, Australia, Chile, South Africa and California to name a few. Of course it is also one of the three grape varieties in Champagne.
So head off down that Pinot Noir road and enjoy the journey.
