I know Le Chat Noir is French for The Black Cat, though it should really be French for Bloody Good Wine, or Sacrement Bon Vin. From the too-scenic-to-be-real foothills of the French countryside this is a light, bright, and effervescent example of Pinot Gris. Restrained and fresh on the nose with apple, spices and a dash of citrus while the palate is driven by fruit, with a medium body and a sparkling core of apple, pear, more spice and a soft mineral length. A gorgeous bronze hue, a common feature for this varietal, simply adds to it’s golden appeal.
Background: This is only the second vintage of Le Chat Noir Pinot Gris and one of the very first Pinot Gris ever produced in the South of France. Until 2009, French Appellation laws restricted the planting of Pinot Gris to the Alsace region. Now planted in the South of France, Pinot Gris offers much promise – creating a more elegant fruit-driven style whilst retaining the varietal richness and complexity.
Sourcing: Primarily sourced from a vineyard in the driedlakebed of Etang de Marseillette, alongside the Canal du Midi and east of Carcassonne. This has proven to be a special terroir for Pinot Gris, alwayscoolerthan the rest of the region and with excellent soilmoisture.
Winemaking: Hand harvested and then de-stemmed before a quick and precise vinification in stainless steel. The majority of the blend was then matured on lees in stainless steel tanks for six months whilst a small portion was racked to two year old French oak barriques for added complexity.
Don't Pay: $18.00
WBW Rating: 94/100
Closure: Stelvin
Region: Marseillette, France
Winemaker: Hilde Chevillot
Drink now until: 2018
Alc/Vol: 13 %
