New Zealand Pinot Noir
Without a doubt the red grape star of New Zealand, this temperamental red grape, initially from Burgundy, needs a cool climate and a gentle hand, and New Zealand winemakers and growers have captured this, and are producing some of the most outstanding Pinot Noirs in the world, ranging from the full, rich, spicy styles of Martinborough, to the complex, restrained, perfumed, elegant wines of Central Otago, the new home for Pinot Noir in the southern hemisphere.
What does it go with?
Elegant and perfumed, these wines have a softness, yet a rich silkiness of fruit – gentle tannins, and rich, raspberry fruit flavours, together with a sublime elegance and generosity of fruit – probably the most seductive of all red wines.
Pinot Noir is a dream with most game – duck, pheasant, venison etc. it’s naturally sweet ripeness and low tannins make a great match with the naturally sweet fleshy flavours of duck or game. Superb with aged, soft cheeses, it’s also one of the best wines to pair with Asian red meat dishes, as the gently sweet fruit and low tannins will not clash with the hit of spices.