Wine Guy: Three sips for Pinot Noir

Article content

It’s time to talk Pinot. Yes, in honour of International Pinot Noir Day celebrated annually on Aug. 18, but also to acknowledge its pairing prowess with summer cookouts and grill sessions.

Pinot Noir may not be the top-of-mind red wine choice for summer barbecues. However, on a warm evening, elegant and lithe Pinot Noir works wonders pairing with robust dishes — while keeping things refreshing thanks to engaging acidity.

Louis Jadot 2022 Couvent des Jacobins Bourgogne, France ($39.99, #341875)

Any discussion of Pinot Noir should rightfully start in the Burgundy region of France. Without a doubt, Burgundy represents the traditional pinnacle of Pinot Noir, long providing inspiration for Pinot producers the world over. And while top-tier Grand Cru Burgundy costs a pretty penny, larger production Burgundy, or Bourgogne, is within reach and offers a fun look into this classic French region. The venerable Maison Louis Jadot produces a wide array of Pinot Noir, and their Burgundy-classed Couvent des Jacobins brings classic red fruit, cedar and floral aromas in a suave yet grippy style that finishes fresh and dry with lingering herbal notes.

Bottom line: B+. Serve alongside grilled salmon.

Undurraga 2023 Sibaris Gran Reserva Pinot Noir, Chile ($19.99, #761205)

Pinot Noir has become a global grape star, though it does tend to fair best in cooler vineyard climates. But even in a country known for more warmer growing conditions, you’ll find pockets of Pinot. Take Chile, for example. One of the country’s oldest wineries, Undurraga, headed to the Pacific-influenced Leyda Valley to plant Pinot Noir vineyards. Morning fog and cool sea breezes help moderate temperatures, and the resulting ruby-hued Pinot Noir brings ample aromas of berries, herbs, and toasty oak. This lively, good value red is juicy and fruit-forward, with oak influence and a lick of spice building to a lengthy, lingering finish.

Bottom line: B+. Pair with grilled chicken or pork.

SpearHead 2023 Cuvée Pinot Noir, British Columbia ($46.00, available through the winery)

Given Pinot Noir’s preference for cooler growing conditions, it shouldn’t be surprising to hear that B.C. is also home to a growing number of tasty Pinots. One local winery that has really focused on Pinot Noir is Kelowna’s SpearHead, which has devoted some 80 per cent of their 15 acres to the grape. Their Cuvée Pinot Noir is produced from a selection of grapes grown in the Jagged Ridge Vineyard and their East Kelowna estate. It’s a robustly elegant red that is both silky and structured, with forest floor and spice notes intermingling with red fruits and floral tones before a satisfying finish.

Bottom line: A-. Great with steak tacos!

The Swirl: GranVino Wine Walk

Get ready for some wine tasting paired with boutique shopping during the inaugural GranVino Wine Walk. Presented by the South Granville BIA, the event takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 16 and sees participants wandering through 20 boutiques, galleries and showrooms from Granville Bridge to 16th Avenue. Each venue is pouring a unique wine selected by local experts, along with exclusive in-store promos and giveaways. Plus, the public plaza at Granville and 13th Avenue will be turned into a wine garden complete with DJ and games. Tickets are $75 (plus fees) and include a limited-edition GranVino tasting cup and tote bag. For complete details head to southgranville.org/granvino.