Last week I mentioned a new movie coming out, Bottle Shock, about the Judgement of Paris.  This got me thinking about another movie that I like with a wine theme, Sideways.  Sideways takes place in California’s Santa Barbara Wine Country and is about two old friends (Miles and Jack) making one last road trip before Jack gets married.  Their trip takes them through the vineyards of Santa Barbara where we learn of Miles’ love of Pinot Noir and dislike for cheap Merlot (he utters the now famous line, “If anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I am not drinking any #%*$ing Merlot!”)


The Pinot Noir wine growers were very happy about this movie since it sparked an incredible new demand.  This increased demand for Pinot Noir is challenging for vineyards because it’s a very difficult grape to grow and ferment on a consistent basis.  Many people have been turned off by low quality Pinot Noir and saw it as having a watered down fruity taste.  For those of us who have enjoyed French Burgundy, also made of 100% Pinot Noir, we knew that Pinot Noir, when made right, can be an excellent wine.
One final word on Pinot Noir.  It’s been said by some wine shop owners that the demand for Pinot Noir is reduced because customers are afraid to say it.  Don’t be afraid to come in and ask for it.  Just ask for a nice PEE-noh or a PEE-noh NWAHR.
Here are some Pinot Noir from around the world that we like, including one from Santa Barbara where Sideways was filmed:


2005 Fitz-Ritter Pinot Noir Qba (Pfalz) ~ 14.99

From the spa town of Durkheim in the Palatinate forest of Germany’s Pfalz region, this area is favored by a warm micro-climate in the broad Rhine river valley.  Low yields and fertile soil produce delicate, earthy Pinots that resemble true French Burgundies.

2007 Sherwood Estate Pinot Noir ~ 17.99

From New Zealand’s Marlborough region, a bright and youthful Pinot serving up tangy, raspberry, dark chocolate and red currant flavors.

2005 Styring Vineyards ‘Signature’ Pinot Noir ~ 26.99

An elegant Pinot Noir from the Ribbon Ridge AVA in Oregon’s northern Willamette Valley. Blackberry & cherry fruit on the nose and palate, full tannins on the finish.

2006 Lafond Vineyards Pinot Noir ~ 24.99

Nestled in the Santa Rita Hills of western Santa Ynez Valley, Lafond is  situated to produce unique and exotic Pinot Noir.  Lafond Pinots have highly structured and concentrated flavors that open up at an early age.  Santa Ynez Valley is in Santa Barabara, California.

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