Comments on: “I’m Not Drinking Any Fucking" Pinot Noir!

By: Finn Robberstad

Finn Robberstad — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 22:44:17 +0000

There are obviously lots of other more-or-less obscure red grapes, some of great general intererest, and some of more specialist charm.

I find the Rossese, especially in its core DOC/DOP of Dolceacqua in Liguria, very interesting, It is a low-tannin red grape that in the right hands can also achieve high concentration and complexity. It has taste and aroma nuances that wll be familiar to many Norwegians; wild blueberries, cranberries (tyttebær) and krekling (no idea what this berry is called in English). It is a wonderful red wine to pair with fish and shellfish, but is extremely interesting also with game. The best producers of the highly concentrated variety are probably Giuncheo and Gajaudo, while the most filigrane, elegant Rossese of them all is probably from the microscopic producer Anfosso.

At the other end of the tannin spectrum I think many would love the Fumin, if they could find it. This grape indigenous to the Aosta valley has very potent tannins that are ususally rounded off by “diluting” the wine with Cornalin, another autoctonous variety of the valley. Of course, one can age the edges off the wine, and be rewarded with a hugely interesting red a bit like an odd Nebbiolo with lots of colour, or a mountain-grown Sagrantino. Some producers, however, vinify the Fumin pure, drying part of the grapes for some weeks before pressing (as if for Amarone or Sforzato). My favourite made this way is Elio Ottin’s. Only a few thousand bottles are made, and it is difficult to find outside the valley.

Obviously, there are also the relatively rare Friuli varieties (apart from the Schioppettino) of Pignolo and Tazzelenghe. Both of these require at least 10 years ageing to show their best. If one can find them at this age, or has the patience to keep them for so long, they are rare treats.

Finn.

By: vinosseur

vinosseur — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:39:11 +0000

Thanks for your comment. The Nerello Mascalese is a grape with only few examples available in Norway currently. I have tasted some good examples of this grape also from Murgo and Benanti here in Norway. A grape with a great potential in my opinion and a grape not to overlook.

Of course, the Pinot Noir is not only an important grape for California, it’s also important for Burgundy and Northern Italy, where it’s known as the Pinot Nero (and can make some rather interesting wine). I love the Pinot as do most wine lovers.

cheers,

By: FH

FH — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:32:50 +0000

This is a very important piece since it illuminates the power of the media and shows how you are likely piggybackying this concept into shining light upon those grapes that deserve more attention. However the challenge is that many of these grapes you mention are not widespread varietals. Pinot Noir is the core of the Central Coast California. It would be nice to hear about more of these autocthonous grapes that you mention. Your descriptions are vivid and it would be nice to hear of other for example—Nero Mascalese producers from the Etna area, since they are not all in the same frame of winemaking realm as the producer you mention. Nice job……