By Gal Zohar
Deep in our hearts we all admit it. As much as we think all grapes are born equal, there is no doubt in any sane person’s mind that Pinot Noir is the one. With elegance, charm and distinctive flavours and aromas, we all agree that this is the no. 1 grape.
Last night Bibendum hosted a mini Pinot Noir summit at The Mercer. Leading the gang was international winemaker Pascal Marchand. After years of work in some of the leading estates in Burgundy Pascal set off on a mission to spread the love of Pinot Noir around the world.
A charismatic ambassador for the grape, Pascal and his team took us through four different estates and all part of VC Family Estates in South America: Veranda (Bio Bio), Augustinos (Bio Bio), Kooch (Rio Negro) & Calafta (Patagonia).
But what takes one of the leading lights of Burgundy to try his luck making Pinot Noir on both sides of the Andes? Let’s hear from the man himself:
Next up is VC’s winemaker in the deep south, Pablo Herera, who guides us through the main characteristic of Patagonian Pinot Noir. We found it to be elegant, pure and simply charming:
Louis Vallet, 5th generation of a winemaking dynasty in Burgundy and the man in charge of VC’s Pinot project, sheds some light on why Bio Bio is such a special place to grow grapes:
And finally Bouchon Breton sommelier Donald Edwards picks his favourite wine from our Pinot Noir Marathon:
The wines:
Augustinos Reserva Privada, Bio Bio, 2009
Augustinos Gran Reserva, Bio Bio, 2008
Calafate, Patagonia, 2008
Veranda Oda, Bio Bio, 2008
Veranda Millerandage, Bio Bio, 2007
Kooch, Rio Negro, 2008
Big thanks to the whole VC crew – especially Pascal – for such a wonderful evening and to The Mercer for the brilliant food last night.
Tags: Argentina, bio bio, Chile, patagonia, pinot noir, wine dinner
Hmmn, in future can flip videos be equipped with a breathalyser to ensure abstract modern dance and general swaying isn’t used to try and convey the essential nature of Pinot Noir.