Robert Skalli Pinot Noir Reserve 2006

From the Languedoc region of Southern France Robert Skalli Pinot Noir Reserve 2006 ($19.50) will be remarkable with your traditional Christmas dishes. 

First of all it is well-priced for a pinot noir and is moderate in alcohol as often French wines are....only 12.5 percent.  It’s ruby red, somewhat light and definitely expressive.  While it is not as fresh tasting as most moderate California and Oregon pinots, flavors lean more to a touch of ‘animal’ or that slightly earthy, dirty attitude.

Dark small fruit such as blueberry and black raspberry blend with cherry and light oak flavors and finish dry with some chocolate and liquorice.  Tannins are supple, not harsh.

Robert Skalli established a close relationship with wine growers in Languedoc 20 years ago.  Cultivation methods established by the Skalli group produce wines of concentration and complexity in a partnership program.  Sustainable farming methods such as grassed land tended by extensive sheep-grazing, limited spraying, and tilled soils lead into de-budding, and leaf and bunch thinning as part of the vineyard picture.

In the winery careful destemming and long vatting bring balance and harmony.  Providing roundness and complexity while preserving the fruitness of the wine opens the door to successful food matches.  Fruit flavors go well with turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, rich cream spinach, brown sugar carrots, and even pumpkin pie.  This pinot noir is rich enough if you are a beef tenderloin or a game person, yet it’s not too heavy for a fish dish.  Enjoy as we did.