5 "other" wines online for pinot mofos.
"Oh, you only drink pinot noir?"
Sometimes if you can’t be with the wine you love, you should love the wine you’re with, right? Or you could be a little bit extra and take this time in the slow lane at home as an opportunity to throw your fancy towards some other varietals. This isn’t crazy talk, mofo.
Vinomofo loves pinot noir, but sometimes we are still astonished at the demand for the varietal, with so many smooth little crooners out there that are just as delicious.
Australians now have access to a smorgasbord of red wines that aren't pinot noir but offer so much of the goodness that pinot noir dishes out! This is in terms of balance, acidity, fruit-forwardness, lower in tannins and compatible with so many cuisines. And, the prices for these wines don't come near what you'd have to pay for a good pinot noir, generally speaking.
So, here are 5 epic wines we have online with pinot-esque qualities...
Sangiovese and pinot noir are both stubborn, (my soul totally resonates with this, btw) and hard to grow. And because the grapes both have thin skins that slowly ripen, they both develop stunning aromas and textures. Good so far? Chianti Classicos, are actually made with sangiovese, and are earthy with bright cherry fruit, like many pinot noirs.
Try this: (Carobbio Chianti Classico DOCG 2015).
Head Buyer at the 'fo, John Clark loves this wine. He was overheard saying: “The 2015 release is quite simply stunning! It’s going straight to my cellar.” It’s opulent, spicy, with ripe black fruits and and bold but super soft tannins creating a smooth, balanced, and ever the elegant drop.
But, also try this: Pizzini Gusto Mama Sangiovese 2019
Our collaboration with Pizzini Wines in King Valley executes perfectly ripe red cherry and strawberry, dried herbs and oh-so-soft spices, black pepper and cocoa, accompanied by terracotta tannins. Brightly juicy fruit, softly spoken with an acidity to keep things fresh!
Etna Rosso (Nerello Mascalese)
Etna Rosso is the people’s grape of Mount Etna, Sicily, and one of the few varieties that have survived centuries of trends, as well as volcanic eruptions. Like pinot noir, etna rosso is light in colour and body, but big in flavour. Typically simultaneously delicate and flavourful, I wish I had a glass in front of me right now.
Try this: Palmento Costanzo Mofete Etna Rosso 2016
This sexy wine is a perfectly ripe, medium-bodied red that is just asking to be served with food. Think dried strawberries and glazed red cherries... oh my! If you’ve never tried a red from Mount Etna before, this may be the one for you, paired with your first attempt at a Sicilian dish and an adventurous spirit.
Grenache is the new cool kid at school, so move over pinot noir. Grenache is high maintenance (aren't we all), but it's also sensitive to soil, climate and altitude. You could almost call it the hot weather, sun-kissed cousin of pinot noir.
Both grapes make for fresh AF, lighter wines with more aromas if planted in somewhat sandier soils, while red clay ones have lingering flavours and a dash more structure. Grenache winemakers have borrowed pinot noir’s technique of taking whole clusters of grapes, even stems, into the fermentation tank to add complexity and spice.
Try this: Sanglier Grenache Blend 2017
You should give this grenache a crack, pinot lover. Vibrancy and freshness are the themes of this wine. Lots of raspberry and spice on the nose and on the palate it’s medium bodied, and it's known as a GST. It’s a Euro-inspired version of of the classic dry red, and we report nothing but cheers' all 'round.
Tempranillo is so versatile that it can be matched with any varietal, depending on where it is grown. So, tempranillo is an excellent alternative to pinot noir, with no doubt about it that the grapes share a resemblance. Tempranillo proves ideal for making young wines, the 'joven' style, where the grape holds juicy strawberry and summer fruit flavours, and cooler regions of Spain and stainless steel fermentation tend to produce tempranillo that is similar in body to pinot noir.
Tempranillo may be pretty new on the scene down under, but it's as widespread in Spain as shiraz is in Australia. You are likely to get great bang for your buck with this varietal.
Try this: Reliquia de Baco Joven Rioja Tempranillo 2018
This is an early-released wine from Bodegas Forcada in Rioja, who specialise in old vine tempranillo and grenache. Bristling with jubilant cherries and sizzling with exotic spices, it smells and tastes amazing.
So, do dare to be a little bit different, pinot mofo.
Still want pinot noir? Click here.