South America has been coming on strong with Pinot Noir. It’s perhaps the most fickle of all red varieties. Where it’s grown and how it’s treated after that is often the source of great debate. When Pinot Noir is well made it can inspire great acclaim and adulation. Trapiche is an Argentine producer that has broad range of wines in its portfolio. Their offerings run the gamut of styles, disciplines, and price points. Today I’ll look at the current release Pinot Noir in their Broquel line.
The Trapiche Broquel 2009 Pinot Noir was produced using fruit sourced in the Mendoza region of Argentina. Some (70%) of the fruit was de-stemmed and the balance (30%) was vinified with stems. The wine was aged on the lees in French oak for a period of nine months. This offering is 100% Pinot Noir and it has a suggested retail price of $15.
Dark cherry, leather and mushroom aromas fill the nose of this 2009 Pinot Noir. Hints of plum and wild strawberry are apparent on the palate. However these are secondary to the oodles of black cherry flavors that dominate. Earth, black tea, hints of cola and bits of vanilla, white pepper and clove cinnamon are present on the finish which has good persistence. This wine has yielding tannins and firm acidity.
For $15 (less if you shop around) this wine represents a nice value in Pinot Noir. It’s well made, presenting a flavor profile that is authentic to Pinot Noir. It’s quite tasty by itself but will pair with a wide range of foods.