Answering that headline question, largely depends on your perspective.
If your yardstick is from the luxury end of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or, then the answer will always be “No”.
Indeed, the quality on show there almost demands exclusivity – and its prices reflect that.
However, the variety does prosper in areas without that combination of climate, geology and inherited winemaking skill.
And, in one of its benign effects, climate change may be producing more of them.
Certainly, Romania does well with pinot, so can Chile and – increasingly – Vin de France offerings are hitting what marketing gurus might call the “pinot-lite” level, at attainable prices.
We consider one such example today.
Once again, pictures and hyperlinks are included where possible to make it easier to track down the wine in question.
But first, an Italian White
2024 Best Pecorino (£7.50 – down from £8.50 until 23 September – with a Morrisons Loyalty Card and 12.5% abv):
This nicely configured Abruzzo white is great value for money at its current promotional price.
It is bright and clear in appearance with attractive fruit characteristics that include melon, apple and white currant flavours.
Refreshing grapefruit acidity provides a lively zing, while subtle herbal undertones add complexity to the soft, lightly creamy mouthfeel.
For those with an eye for wine of presentable quality without breaking the bank, this gentle Italian option is well worth seeking out.
Note: The reduced price may not appear on the web site unless you log in with a Loyalty Card.
Next that approachable pinot noir
House Pinot Noir (£5.75 at Sainsbury’s and 11% abv):
Its foundation centres on raspberry, black cherry and cola flavours complemented by cinnamon spiciness within a smooth, relatively light texture.
While expecting premium pinot noir quality under £6 belongs in fantasy land, this Chilean version does capture a number of the variety’s qualities.
Pleasant truffle aromatics combine with bright orange-tinged acidity and gentle tannins to complete the picture.
Although never attaining the sophistication, longevity, complexity and balance of top level pinot, this does represent sound, accessible casual, drinking with a modest price tag.
Join me again on Thursday when we take a detailed look at the current Lidl Wine Tour.
7 responses
Warming to Brian’s suggestion to look beyond Burgundy Pinot Noir (PN),Germany is certainly somewhere to look for quality PN.In fact after France and the US, it is the third largest producer.So it should not be a surprise to find out the quality of M&S Palataia Pinot Noir ,Pfalz 2022 £10,but can be reduced when 10% off deal for four bottles applies.
Juicy,crunchy,red fruited loveliness.A subtle hint of oak?
Should show up well in any competition for the best PN under a tenner.
You are right to highlight the quality of German pinot noir, Paul – especially versions from the warmer Baden region and the volcanic soil there. Leaving aside that M&S option and one or two others, though, price can be an issue in the context of this piece.
Sainsbury’s also stock a superb Pecorino which we buy and enjoy regularly.
Welcome to the Comments section Brian and I am with you on that suggestion. I, too, have enjoyed that version.
Pecorino has always been a good value Italian white wine although I find some bottles can be quite characterless and insipid. It’s good then to see a road-tested option being recommended by Brian today. It’s a pity Morrisons are so careless about updating details about their wines on the website though. For this particular wine the ‘current vintage’ states 2015! I doubt there would be much to write home about with a 10 year old everyday wine!!
Owing to proximity to the store my Pecorino tends to come from Waitrose. There the basic Pecorino is now £8.75 but until the end of September I recommend paying 25p more and trading up to their fuller bodied Fenaroli Pecorino Superiore down from £11.50 to £9. However, my surprise Italian white find this week came from revisiting Frascati. Also until 30 September Terre Dei Grifi Frascati in Waitrose is £7.50 instead of £10, well within Brian’s new normal price point of £8
Interesting to see the revival of some of the “early arrival” Italian favourites from the days of Trattorias with check tablecloths and wax encrusted raffia chianti bottles to hold the candles. It is not just Frascatis but Soave and Orvieto as well.
It is amazing that Morrisons Soave £4.85 is such a decent simple enjoyable drop.Yes, the socks will stay firmly attached to the feet,but great value and a smart modern label to boot.