If you find the price tag of some fine wines a little off-putting, you should be over the moon with this ripe Pinot Noir. It strikes a perfect balance between the succulent, fruit first New World style and the berry elegance of young Burgundy.
Chai winemaker Mark Hoddy had a mission with this wine ' to produce the best Pinot Noir outside Burgundy. With its silky raspberry charm and leafy notes, we think he's succeeded. Working with this finicky grape isn't easy ' Pinot Noir is most particular about its soil and even more about its climate. Indeed, it likes a spot where the fruit only just ripens and the wine is elegant. You wouldn't think that true of anywhere in Southern France, but Mark had three terroirs in mind ' Limoux, Carcassonne and the Montagne Noir ' up in the hills. There, warm days are followed by cool nights that slow ripening of the grapes and ensure excellent aroma and freshness. A charming red with soft red fruit, it's great with white meats or a mushroom risotto.