Pinot Noir - Rest of the New World
This ‘rest of’ section was dominated by South Africa, and boy, were there some good wines in here! Lots and lots of very happy tasters after these flights.
There were several reasons to be cheerful. Firstly, the numbers weren’t stupid. Stylistically, they’re very easy to like and our teams were confident that they could shift them if they had them on their list.
As for South Africa, the only thing holding it back with this grape, it seems, is volume. Their winemakers are carving out an authentic Cape style with the grape that can appeal to both Burgundian purists and lovers of New World fruit alike.
They also seem to be resisting the temptation to plant it in places that aren’t suitable. All our entries came from proper cool-climate regions.
From The Tasting Teams
‘These [South Africans] were all good-quality wines. They all had this nice development, and some nice smokiness, and they integrate the oak very well. They’re finding a good balance between fruit and the use of oak.’ Juan Manuel Marcos Perez, The Gilbert Scott Restaurant
‘The South African wines were really consistent. They were lovely, simple, fresh and clean. Considering the prices, you could put these wines everywhere from gastropubs to fine-dining. They’re great for sommeliers.’ Mattia Tabacco, Oeno
‘Anyone can grow Pinot Noir, but I don’t know if it makes sense for Argentina to be making it.’ Carolina W Seibel, Comptoir Cafe and Wine
‘South Africa’s winemakers are coming to terms with cool and maritime climates. Their Pinots are more like Burgundy than those from New Zealand are.’ Tom Forrest, team leader