Famiglia Bianchi - 2008 Pinot Noir

The Famiglia Bianchi wines from Argentina continue to offer solid (and often better) values at numerous tiers and price points. Their portfolio has a wide scope in terms of varietals, style and cost. This makes it relatively easy for almost anyone to find a wine in their line to enjoy. I for one am fond of their wines in general and today I’m looking forward to sampling their current release of Pinot Noir. The Famiglia Bianchi 2008 Pinot Noir was produced using fruit sourced in the San Rafael region of Mendoza. This wine is 100% Pinot Noir. After hand picking the wine was fermented and macerated with skins. Barrel aging was accomplished over six months in a combination of French and American oak.  This wine has a suggested retail price of $15.99.

Wild strawberry aromas dominate the nose along with an undercurrent of vanilla and a gentle wisp of crème fraiche. Black cherry, candied strawberry and a persistent vein of kirsch liqueur are the stars of the palate. Black pepper spice plays a role as well and leads to the finish which shows off black tea, continued wallops of cherry, emerging earth and wisps of espresso. This wine has soft, lush tannins and good acidity.

As has been my experience with the Bianchi wines in general this Pinot Noir is crafted with food in mind. It’ll excel with a broad range of roasted meats, cheeses and medium flavored foods. This 2008 Famiglia Bianchi Pinot Noir also continues the streak of great values from this dependable Argentinean producer.