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Leslie Cramer
Wine ExaminerLeslie Cramer has worked in the fine wine industry for twenty- something years. Known in some circles as "The Wine Wizardess," she'll cover topics from wine education, to trends o' the day and how to properly propose a toast, to health benefits of the grape.
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America's Hot Grape- Pinot Noir
Leslie Cramer - Wine Examiner
While the big three wine varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay) still dominate--by a long shot--American wine consumption, Pinot Noir has steadily creeped up through the ranks to be the undeniable hot grape du jour. Sales of the wine have risen upwards of 20 percent a year for the last few years. Pinot Noir has the deserved reputation as a difficult grape to grow, only able to thrive in well-drained usually limestone soil and very particular cool climate conditions, though surprisingly enough these conditions exist in a large number of places. There are variations among Pinot Noir-growing regions that result in different flavors, aromas, and textures in the wines, just as there are differences among individual vineyards. Pinot Noirs from Oregon are delicate and light-bodied, while other Oregonian Pinots aged in new French oak are bigger, with more structure. Pinots from the Russian River Valley (Sonoma) are distinct for their black-cherry fruit and silky textures. French Pinots from Burgundy have more tannins and higher acid while Pinots from the northern grape-growing regions of Italy (called Pinot Nero) are again lighter-bodied with notes of red-cherry.
The best Pinots have intense aromas; they are silky and complex with firm textures. Flavors seems to smoothly balance the fruit (cherries, raspberries, strawberries) with the earthy (pepper and mushroom).
Wine servers and sommeliers sing the praises of Pinot Noir as a superb partner for food, as it pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Pinots are at their best with gamey meats like lamb or duck; while lighter versions are perfectly suited with rich fish like salmon.
Pinot Noir grapes still on the vines.
For more info. on food and wine pairing, check out foodandwine.com
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