In 2012 I was coming to the end of my first month working at Majestic Wines and I was very tired. I had plucked a random bottle off the shelf from Chile and little did I know that this wine would change my world.
Pinot Noir is best know for its origins in Burgundy but has now been adopted (and extensively studied) in wine regions all over the world. The variety's elusive charm has carried it to all manner of vineyards.
It comes at a cost though as Pinot Noir is one of the most expensive grapes out there though because it is an awkward customer in the vineyard. Being thin skinned it makes it more prone to bacterial spoilage, skin splitting,
It's the contradiction that I love. On one hand you have a very light and delicate wine and on the other hand you have this hidden depth of flavour that changes depending where in the world it has been grown.
My favourite Pinot Noir (within budget) comes from New Zealand. That depth mentioned above comes in the form of an earthiness that just brings together an experience you just don't want to end.