Not only do we celebrate International Pinot Noir Day today, but we also raise a glass to wine sales resuming. The Elgin Ridge Wines CRUNCH! Pinot Noir 2019 is the perfect toast to what we hope will be a successful remainder of the year.
Introduction
I draw immense pleasure from the simplest things in life. The uncomplicated; the straightforward, the pure, the wholesome. That is how I like my food, my life, my home, my life and, yes, also my wine.
At first I was somewhat perplexed when two bottles of Elgin Ridge‘s CRUNCH! Pinot Noir 2019 arrived at my door. I’ve said many times that the colour of my blood is Pinot Noir. I have come to expect it in a sleek, dark bottle with an elegantly embossed label. But not this one. This one had its feet squarely on the ground.
Research has shown that there is a trend to move away from the traditional to organic, and this is where Elgin Ridge ticks the right boxes. It is only one of a handful of certified biodynamic wine producers in South Africa.
Situated in the heart of the Elgin Wine Valley, which is renowned for its unique terroir, natural beauty and undeniable character, wines from this boutique estate are handcrafted and made to enjoy for all year round enjoyment.
A horse of a different colour
As I held the two clear glass bottles in my hand, adorned with a striking, yet simple graphic in blazoning crimson red, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of horse this is.
Although in cork, it’s bare neck was without foil or wax wrapping. Although a Pinot Noir from an area well-known for this varietal, its bottle was free from any embellishments. And although the label stated it was a Pinot Noir (and nothing else), its bright berry hue reminded me of summer sunsets.
I was beyond intrigued to learn more about this charming bottle of wine.
Click here to read my review on Elgin Ridge’s 282 Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir!
Background
The unique Elgin Ridge wine estate is situated on mountain slopes in South Africa’s Elgin valley, a small yet significant region within the famous Cape Winelands and located just one hour’s drive from Cape Town.
A pioneering spirit has always prevailed at Elgin Ridge, the only certified organic wine producer in Elgin and one of just two certified biodynamic wine producers in South Africa. Their philosophy of organic and biodynamic wine, made naturally, begins in the vineyard and ends in the bottle. Every bottle that displays the Elgin Ridge name truly represents their passion for sustainability and dedication to quality (https://www.elginridge.com/).
Elgin Ridge CRUNCH! Pinot Noir 2019
The CRUNCH! Pinot Noir 2019 adds further endorsement to what Brian and Marion are all about. Grounded humans and enlightened grapes equal honest wines.
“Mouthwatering” is by far the best tasting note description for this gorgeous interpretation. It’s aromatic and juicy and simply put; a bright, everyday indulgence for your palate.
Tasting notes: aromatics of intense raspberries and cranberries that carries over to the palate with a salinity that leaves your mouth watering for more.
In the vineyard: organic Pinot Noir
In the cellar: made with whole bunch natural ferments (50%), the wine was left to age in concrete eggs for seven months, resulting in an everyday drinking wine. The process that the wine goes through is perfectly described as a combination of natural, old school and innovative techniques.
Cellar door price: directly from the farm at R125 per bottle
“Feet on the ground” food pairing
The philosophy behind CRUNCH!, and also behind all of the Elgin Ridge wines, is one of ‘feet on the ground’. It’s all about integrity, honesty, passion, dedication, sustainability and minimal interference in the natural cycle of life.
With this in mind, I decided to pair CRUNCH! with a “feet on the ground” meal. Gorgeously sticky pork ribs and biltong breads – perfect for a winter’s afternoon spread.
Pinot Noir loves both the cutty and lean fats of pork, complimenting the slightly sweet and smokey undertones of the meat. Both succulent to the bone, I basted the pork ribs in an Asian marinade for the ultimate sweet-savoury experience.
Whilst the rack of ribs soaked up all the stickiness before being grilled on the fire, I whipped up a batch of biltong breads. Simple, uncomplicated and absolutely delicious. These morsels are filled with a spread of biltong shavings, crushed garlic, butter and a sprinkle of red chilli flakes. Scored, huddled into a tin and baked until golden perfection. The Tall Hedonist couldn’t wait to tear into these.
It was a gorgeous late Saturday afternoon feast, and yes, Tim and I finished the bottle to the very last drop.
Celebrating the end of the drought
To celebrate the end of this ‘drought’ Brian and Marion are offering a 20% discount on all orders placed by 31 August, for a minimum order of six bottles which can be of the same wine or a mix of the wines available. Simply enter the WYS2PFN6 when placing your order and the discount will be applied immediately.
In conclusion
Simply stunning. I’ll be keeping a few of these in my wine racks for those days you just want to pour something delicious into your glass without worrying too much about popping the cork.
Thank you, Elgin Ridge, for spoiling me with this honestly gorgeous interpretation of Pinot Noir, and for foregrounding your philosophy of quality in every bottle!
Disclaimer: I was given this product(s) as part of a press drop in exchange for my honest and truthful opinion and review thereof. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are solely those of The Little Hedonist, given in good faith and in no way influenced by the company or its affiliates. All images, unless otherwise stated / credited, are also my own.
The Little Hedonist endorses responsible drinking.
Don’t drink and drive. Not for persons under 18.
No Comments