Delaille Pinot Noir Unique 2022

hibiscus, tart cherry, cooked cranberry, forest floor and oyster mushroom

It is probably hard to believe but this is the top selling Pinot Noir, in terms of volume, in the Orlando store. Not best selling Loire Valley Pinot Noir, or even top selling French example, but best seller. Of course it is not hard to see why. For $20 it is a varietally correct, perfect example of this enchanting variety that happens to come from one of the most surprising places.

The Delaille family that own Salvard have been making wine in the appellation of Cheverny, in the for five generations. This backwater appellation is between Tours and Sancerre and has a long history of growing a wide variety of grapes. In fact, to qualify as a Cheverny Rouge the wines must be a blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay and Cabernet Franc. This is because the area is historically so cold that it gives the producers some protection if one variety or another does not fully ripen. However, with the current climate conditions all these varieties ripen now so the Delaille’s made the decision to begin bottling a pure Pinot Noir that is “Unique” to the region.

For those of you who are not familiar with this wine it falls more into the savory Oregon camp than the more fruit driven California style. The nose is hibiscus, tart cherry, cooked cranberry and then kissed with notes of forest floor and oyster mushroom. On the palate it is moderate weight, with a soft, savory core of fruit and earth. Drink in 2024-2025 with a roast chicken, slow roasted pork ribs with rosemary and white wine or pot au feu.