"Pinot Noir" news and stories

2008 was a banner year for Oregon Pinot Noir grapes -- particularly those in the Willamette Valley, one of the state's AVAs. Located just an hour or so west of Portland, this region produces Pinots that are earthy, complex and layered. Each layer, in fact, is expressed quite well, from the nose to the finish.

We recently sipped a flight of Pinot Noirs from this region. Here are our favorites. Note that when you are tracking down these particular wines that the majority of these wineries produce more than a few Pinot Noir wines for each vintage, so be sure to look for the Willamette Valley designation.

R. Stuart & Co. Winery "Autograph" Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($30)
The "Autograph" Pinot Noir is typically a blend of several Pinot-Noir vineyard blocks, and the 2008 vintage is no exception. Extremely dark-red in color, a plum bouquet evolves into plum notes that mix with currants on the palate. Intense and sultry, there is a trace of spice on the finish.

Ponzi Vineyards "Tavola" Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($25)
An infusion of white pepper emerges mid-palate and it effortlessly coasts into soft tannins. This medium-bodied Pinot also has a distinct clove nose, and plum and red-currant notes. It would pair well with spicy, grilled or braised foods.

• Want to make a scene at your holiday meal this year? Butterfly your roast.
• Fish might feel a little pricey these days, but try some in your pasta: A little goes a long way.
• These hot tamales are doubly hot -- at Tortilla y Tienda de Leon's in East Portland, the proceeds of your Christmas order support the local public schools. Now that's Christmas spirit.
• The 2008 Adelsheim Vineyard "Elizabeth's Reserve" pinot noir is a bargain at fifty bucks. No, really.

You've probably seen Sideways (because what wine-loving person hasn't?). In the 2004 film, based on the novel of the same name by Rex Pickett, its characters travel through California's Central Coast in search of the best Pinot Noir. They come across quite a few memorable bottles, and so did we in a recent tasting of this grape varietal from this region which, for the purposes of this post, includes Santa Barbara County and Monterey County.

Pinot Noir is a red-wine grape grown in many climates, including New Zealand, Oregon, France's Burgundy region, and even New York State. What makes the Pinot Noir from this region (California's Central Coast) so yummy? The simple answer is that the cooling temperatures (translating to a coastal fog in some areas) from the nearby Pacific Ocean allow the grapes to relax, a contrast to scorching hot temperatures in summer that stress the vines.

In addition to the producers below, Central Coast wineries that bottle consistently high-quality Pinot Noir are Alma Rosa Winery (Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County), Melville Vineyards & Winery (Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County), Foxen Winery (Santa Barbara County's Santa Maria Valley, Santa Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley; sourcing from famed vineyards like Bien Nacido and Seasmoke) and Calera Wine Company (including Monterey County, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County).

Here are eight of our favorite Central Coast Pinot Noirs.

Fog Head 2009 Private Reserve Pinot Noir, Monterey County ($15)
Notes of bright red fruit (cherries and raspberries) are preceded by aromas of earthy forest floor. Some traces of vanilla enter mid-palate, leaving a luscious mouth feel.

At this year's International Pinot Noir Celebration (yes, there is an event that's 100 percent about this luscious wine grape!) in Oregon's Willamette Valley -- which was held last month -- many Pinot Noirs were poured. From Oregon to New Zealand -- and many points in-between. Considered one of the premier wine events, because it brings together wine collectors and winemakers, it's a plum opportunity to sip Pinot Noir from all over and understand how differing growing conditions produce a unique style.

Workshops in pairing food with these wines and also the nuts and bolts of blending Pinot Noir clones are among the festivities each year.

Find our five favorites from this year's IPNC after the jump...

Nothing wrong with beer or mixed drinks, but wine at a cook-out is a new twist if you're in search of something different. There's no reason why you need to save your favorite wines for multi-course dinners served indoors. Raid your cellar and see what you come up with, paying close attention to wines with incredible body and spices. Paired with grilled meats and vegetables - even grilled fruits like peaches - new flavor notes arise in the food.

Here are seven wines that are perfect for sipping at a cook-out. You might want to think about chilling the reds for a bit. This won't ruin the flavor profile but it will be more refreshing while you're baking in the sun.

2008 Kendall-Jackson Vineyard Estates Vintner's Reserve Pinot Noir, California ($18)
Pinot and salmon is a classic pairing and that doesn't change when the fish is grilled. A cedar aroma kicks off this Pinot, which is anything but mellow and has an undercurrent of cola flavors that dance with the wild-raspberry fruit notes. Although light in body -- which we like on hot days -- there is still enough spicy flavor that provides wiggle room to encrust spices on top of your salmon. (Because we wouldn't want you to forego any additional flavors, of course.)