Wine Tasting – Champteloup Pinot Noir

Name: Château de Champteloup Val de Loire Selection Pinot Noir

Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Touraine, Loire Valley

Country: France

Year: 2011

Price: $15 à $7.95

Winery Review: In the heart of France’s Loire River Valley lies the Touraine wine region. Although it produces vast amounts of well-priced, fresh, mostly white wines, lovely reds like this are broadening Touraine’s appeal. This wine may seem familiar to you. It is a sibling of the Touraine Sauvigno

n Blanc we’ve offered for years. Serge de Bucy employs a light touch in his winemaking, using no wood and doing as possible to preserve freshness. Bright cherry and strawberry fruits are followed by a soft, smooth palate.

My Review: This light red wine is casual and sophisticated. No wood was used to age this wine, but this wine possesses some of the qualities of oak-aged wines.  I can taste a hint of fresh cut wood and smoky leather. There is a distinct black cherry flavor and some darker plums. For a lighter-bodied red, I find this wine complex.

With food?: I tasted this wine on its own without food.