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The start of Autumn, when the temperatures commence to drop and the day begins to shorten, seems like a fitting time to cast the video spotlight on the rich, ruby comforts of Pinot Noir.
As the Professional Friends of Wine point out, it’s one of the oldest grape varieties to be made into wine, going back as early as the first century A.D. by the Romans. But it was only a couple years ago, with the release of the movie Sideways, that it achieved its current celebrity status. The, ahem, side effect of the Hollywood attention has been to make the same wine that’s been enjoyed around the world for a couple thousand years considerably more costly now, courtesy of the law of supply and demand.
And that irritates Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library TV enough to, well, start bouncing corks at the camera. But not before he assesses four types from various countries, including a relatively inexpensive 2006 Castle Rock Pinot Noir Sonoma ($10), that is “very easy drinking,” expresses “lots of plum” and is “definitely worth seeking out.” Others reviewed include a New Zealand 2006 Coopers Creek Pinot Noir (much more lively than the Castle Rock, but “a pass” at $14), an Italian 2005 Ghisolfi Pinay (a distinct earthy “sod” taste that drives Gary euphoric but admittedly might be a turnoff to almost everybody else, $16) and a 2004 Meyer Nakel Pinot Noir Ahr from Germany (”this is serious Pinot Noir…extremely well made,” $24).
(Speaking of dirt, Gary also makes an oblique reference to his delicious appearance on the Conan O’Brien show last month. Worth watching if only to see what Gary manages to persuade O’Brien to taste.)
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A great way to learn about wines is to watch an expert taste, rate and describe them. Selections are picked because the topic is timely or seems particularly interesting. Each week a new clip, via Viddler, WNR’s player of choice because it lets you add your own comments.
Looking for more? It’s called Wine Library TV for a reason: Visit Gary’s archive for other episodes.
