Dedicated to Pinot fans
This set is a carefully selected set of six bottles chosen by a sommelier who is a great lover of New Zealand Pinot Noir.
This event was planned for those who love the grape variety Pinot Noir, and for those who would like to experience the deliciousness of Pinot Noir.
I'm sure it will also satisfy advanced drinkers who want to learn more about the variety of New Zealand Pinots.
First, a brief explanation of the Pinot Noir grape variety.
What is Pinot Noir?
It is a variety of black grape (grapes with nearly black skin) that is mainly used for making red wine, and originates from the Burgundy region of France. It is susceptible to disease and for many years was said to be difficult to grow outside of Burgundy, but cultivation techniques have improved and it is now grown in various parts of the world.
The characteristics of grapes are...
- Thin skin
- The pigment is not very strong
- Slightly sour
These are the main differences between Pinot Noir and other grapes.
And what are the characteristics of wine made from Pinot Noir?
- Bright color and little bitterness
- Mainly small red fruit (berries, cherries, etc.) nuances
- In concentrated and aged varieties, complex aromas of spices, forest floor, dead leaves, and truffles emerge.
In general, it can be said that Pinot Noir's characteristic is that it tends to produce red wines with a gentle and elegant impression.
And one more thing.
A major characteristic of Pinot Noir is that it is a variety that easily expresses the characteristics of the region in which it is grown. This is important!
Even if it is the same Pinot Noir, the aroma and flavor can change completely depending on where the grapes are grown.
The reason why Bokumo Wine decided to create this "Pinot Only 6 Bottle Set" is because I wanted to share this very interesting (I think) characteristic of Pinot, that the taste varies greatly depending on the region it is produced in.
Currently, Pinot Noir is grown in the majority of New Zealand's wine producing regions. New Zealand's area is about three-quarters the size of Japan. The country is made up of two long islands, one north and one south, and is dotted with wine producing regions with a variety of climates and soils.
Naturally, each region has its own unique characteristics and produces different styles of wine.
We want you to experience this difference in style!
With this in mind, we selected Pinot Noirs with quite different flavors and put together a set.
Those who try it for the first time will probably notice a different taste, and those who love Pinot will enjoy the different variations.
Now, we will introduce the characteristics of the four main New Zealand Pinot producing regions and introduce wines selected from these four regions.
Let's start with the classic Marlboro.
Marlborough (South Island)
This is New Zealand's leading Pinot Noir producing region, and the largest amount of Pinot Noir is produced in the country. Pinots from Marlborough tend to have an overall aroma and flavor that is "concentrated with fruits such as raspberries and plums." They tend to have strong fruity nuances and are relatively easy to drink.
As the largest producer in Japan, the prices range from affordable to high-end. Another great thing about Marlboro is that there is a variety that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced cigarette lovers alike.
For this set, I chose three out of six Pinot Noirs from Marlborough. Two were in the 4,000 yen range, and one was in the 7,000 yen range (the other three were all in the 4,000 yen range).
First, the first one is...
Beautiful natural Pinot
Mahi Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019
Mahi means "craft" in Maori. The aroma of raspberry and other fruits, along with spices such as cloves, create a unique flavor.
I actually visited the winery and was impressed with the way Mahi's Pinot Noir was made. Although the vineyards are farmed using biodynamic methods, the winemaking process is very technical. Fermentation is done with wild yeast while carefully controlling the temperature. I think the fact that the taste is both "natural" and "refined" is the result of the skill of the owner and winemaker Brian Bicknell.
It can be paired with a wide range of foods, but it would be perfect with game, beef, or lamb. It also goes well with Japanese root vegetables and red fish such as tuna.
The second one is...
The scent of berries wafts through the air.
②Antzfield Single Vineyard Pinot Noir 2020
The handsome Cowley brothers revived Marlborough's oldest winery, and turned it into a modern winery, Antzfield. This Pinot has a rich berry fruitiness, spiciness and complex flavor. Because it has a slightly higher alcohol content, the taste feels a little rich and the aftertaste is quite long. You may get the impression that it is a heavy Pinot.
It goes well with chicken and pork dishes. Yakitori (with sauce), chicken cutlet, sauteed pork, braised pork, etc. are perfect.
Although they are in the same price range, Mahi is a natural and somewhat delicate Pinot, while Antzfield is a Pinot with strong, heavy fruit flavors, so I think you will be able to taste the contrast when you compare them.
The third one is...
An artisanal Pinot
③Greywacki Pinot Noir 2020
This is one of the wineries that impressed me when I visited. It is a boutique winery established by Kevin Judd, who was the long-time winemaker at Cloudy Bay, a representative New Zealand wine.
He knows the best of Marlborough inside and out, and the Pinots he produces are mouth-wateringly delicious.
The flavors of cinnamon and cocoa are added to the concentrated fruit flavors like American cherry and plum jam. It has an image of strength and elegance coexisting. The aftertaste is very long, and the blissful taste continues.
This wine is perfect for a special occasion, and goes perfectly with meat dishes with complex flavors, such as duck, beef, and lamb. If you choose high-quality meat, you're sure to be filled with a sense of euphoria.
I think it has a more complex flavor profile than the first two (Mahi and Antzfield), and tastes beautifully put together.
The next production area is...
Martinborough (North Island)
A very small production area in the Wairarapa region.
It is characterized by its climate conditions very similar to those of Burgundy, where the Pinot Noir is produced. The Pinot Noir produced there is mainly delicate in flavor, with a harmonious blend of berry fruit aromas and aromas of cinnamon, clove, mint, cocoa, and leather.
For those who want to enjoy the depth of authentic Pinot Noir, I would definitely recommend this Martinborough wine. The only drawback is that there are only a few producers.
This is the one we selected from Martinborough.
A perfect pairing with duck
④Atarangi Crimson Pinot Noir 2020
Atalangi is one of Martinborough's leading wineries. Its Pinot has been called the "New Zealand Romanee-Conti," and is known as a winery that produces wines with a flavor comparable to Burgundy.
Among them, Crimson is the entry-level Pinot. Even though it is an entry-level Pinot, its aroma and flavor are impressively elegant. The aroma of raspberries, cherries, cloves, and cinnamon is very attractive. It has a moderate acidity and a rather long aftertaste. It is a Pinot that is said to have a sophisticated European taste.
As with Burgundy Pinot, roasted duck is a perfect pairing. Grilled chicken also goes well with it. Red fish, such as tuna and avocado yukke, are also good.
Next up is another famous production area!
Central Otago (South Island)
A region that produces high-quality Pinots that amaze France. It is said to be one of the three major Pinot producing regions in the world (the others are Burgundy and Oregon). Although it has a very cool climate, it receives plenty of sunshine in the summer and little rain, making it ideal for growing Pinot Noir. Vineyards are scattered over a wide area, so the characteristics of each location are different, but roughly speaking, most Pinots are somewhat powerful. Its characteristic is a deep flavor that is reminiscent of blackcurrant sweet and sour, plus spices, moss, and truffles.
I chose this one from Central Otago.
For meat only!? Rich and delicious Pinot
⑤Invivo Central Otago Pinot Noir 2019
This is an award-winning Pinot in the United States, and I think that those who like "strong Pinots" from California and other places will definitely enjoy its taste.
It has a soft mouthfeel, but a strong flavor and a long aftertaste. It has a clear fruit flavor like blackcurrant and American cherry, with nuances of leaf mold and cocoa, giving it a slightly rich flavor. It also has a high alcohol content, so it feels satisfying with every sip. It can be described as a "Pinot with a dense, fruity flavor."
I think it goes well with chicken, pork, and lamb dishes in general. It's also great with grilled meat and stews. Surprisingly, it also goes well with grilled eel!
Now, the last place we'll look at is a bit of a hidden gem.
Nelson (South Island)
Nelson is a port town close to Marlborough, the largest producing area. Although the area is small, there are many excellent small producers. Nelson Pinot has a familiar fruity aroma like strawberry and bramble, and often has a gentle and mellow taste.
The one I chose from Nelson is...
Naturally Produced Pinot
⑥Neudorf Tom's Block Pinot Noir 2019
Committed to natural production methods, this beer is bottled unclarified and unfiltered. The smoothness of fruits such as raspberries and strawberries fills your mouth. You can also sense the spiciness of cinnamon and earthiness, but the overall flavor is well-rounded.
Neudorf comments that Nelson Pinots are characterized by their strong "umami" (delicious flavor), and this Pinot certainly has that same strong umami flavor. I think this is a Pinot Noir that you won't tire of drinking and will find yourself drinking it effortlessly.
As this wine comes from the port city of Nelson, it goes surprisingly well with seafood. White fish with tomato sauce, seafood pizza, and teriyaki yellowtail are all perfect!
summary
To summarise these six sets:
◆Elegant & Natural Mahi Marlborough Pinot Noir
◆ Fruity and rich Antzfield Single Vineyard Pinot Noir
◆Sophisticated and multi-layered Greywacke Pinot Noir
◆Atarangi Crimson Pinot Noir, a wine of elegance comparable to Burgundy
◆A rich Pinot Invivo that pairs well with meat Central Otago Pinot Noir
◆Natural and flavorful Neudorf Tom's Block Pinot Noir 2019
We hope you enjoy these six Pinots, each with its own unique charm!
The product page is here
A must-have for Pinot Noir enthusiasts! A 6-bottle set of Pinot-only wines for Pinot Noir lovers
