Prahova Valley Special Reserve Pinot Noir

Composition:  100% Pinot Noir

Vintage:   2011, Dealurile Munteniei

Vineyard:

Spreading approximately 155 square miles over Sub Carpathian Hills, the renowned Dealu Mare region is the most compact wine producing region in Romania. Dealu Mare (or Big Hill) has long been considered the original birthplace of red wines of exceptional quality.

This classic variety, Pinot Noir has thrived in the lime rich soils of the Dealu Mare region for centuries.

Climate / Quality of the soil:

The typical warm, dry microclimate and the rather long autumns favour rich grape crops of good quality. There is a long vegetation time of 210-240 days with a maximum humidity of 55-80%.

Soils rich in ferric oxides are particularly suitable for varieties such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Feteasca Neagra.

Winemaking process:

Hand harvesting at full maturity; grapes carefully selected

De-stemming

Gently crushing

Skin maceration

Controlled fermentation in vertical tanks

Filtering

Minimum 12 months maturation in barrels

Bottling and labelling; ageing in bottles

Wine composition:

Alcohol: 13.0%

Total acidity: 5.02 g/L

Residual sugar: 6.40 g/L

Winemaker comments:

This is a very balanced Pinot Noir with lovely pure violets, ripe blueberries and blackberries, complemented by subtle spicy herb and cigars notes. The palate is smooth with elegant fruitiness.

Food matches:

Ideal to be served with red or white meat dishes, fine cheeses or pasta with tomato sauce.

Drinking temperature:

Best served between 16-18°C