The challenge of achieving well-balanced, fruity, fresh and elegant wines is one of the great reasons why Pinot Noir is one of the most valued (and also “hated”) grape varieties in the world. Depending on its origin and climatic conditions, this grape classified as “heartbreaker” can offer a wide diversity of flavours and textures that we invite you to discover through the following 3 great bottles.
Amelia Pinot Noir
“Amelia Pinot Noir comes 100% from Quebrada Seca, in Limarí Valley, and from a specific vineyard: the block No. 5. In the 2022 vintage, part of the block No. 15 was also included, but let’s say that it is a very small production of the best selection that we have in Quebrada Seca. It is a classic vinification, the fermentation in open stainless-steel tanks, with punching down and then aged in French barrels”, says Massimo Leonori, Head Sommelier of Concha y Toro. Who also adds “we have studied a menu that goes very well with this wine. It is a Ravioli filled with ricotta and sweet potato with a goat cheese sauce and a touch of black truffle. A soft filled pasta, for a fine wine with a lot of character, requires an elaborate dish and this one is outstanding”.
Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir
“For this wine, we use grapes from the Quebrada Seca vineyards and San Julián, another vineyard in Limarí on the river’s southern bank. Compared to Amelia Pinot Noir, this wine comes from a more stony and clayey soil with higher volume production. It also comes from what we believe to be the best place for this variety: the Limarí Valley. In terms of vinification and aging, they are the same”, explains Leonori.
And he adds: “I tried it with a classic paella, and I liked it a lot. The paella can have some shrimp or fish, chicken, meat or a mix of everything, and this variety goes very well with these types of dishes”.
Casillero del Diablo Pinot Noir
“Casillero del Diablo Pinot Noir is a much larger production in volume. It comes from three different areas: Limarí Valley, Casablanca Valley and the coastal area of the Rapel Valley. It is important to emphasize that they are coastal area vineyards, where the best quality is produced (in cold climate valleys) and in terms of expression it is a much fruitier wine, where we keep it mainly in stainless steel. A small portion of the wine goes through (used) barrels, which is why it has quite expressive fruit, especially when young, but clearly it is not a wine that has the same aging potential of Amelia or Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir. Instead, it is a wine to be consumed quickly”, assures Leonori. And he continues: “For Casillero del Diablo Pinot Noir I would recommend a cheese board with cheeses such as goat cheese, brie or camembert.”
Taking advantage of the fact that Pinot Noir Day is celebrated this coming August 18, we invite you to uncork one of these bottles. Which one would you choose?
