Tasting Notes
Finding decent Pinot Noir from Burgundy these days for under £30 is almost impossible. Around £30 seems to be about the mark at which you can get one, unless extremely lucky. So when I met with our friend Michel Bedouet, from the Loire, near Nantes, who pointed out he had a new Pinot Noir in his range, I absolutely jumped at the chance to taste it. It has fragrant, earthy, delicate Pinot Noir notes, in the light Burgundy style. The palate is easy, light and fruity with some of that earthiness, and a hint of spice and light wood notes. It reminds me a little of good Beaujolais and light Savigny-les-Beaune in feel. It's so nice for drinking with cheese, charcuterie, white and red meats. It's versatile and you'll be able to enjoy it with lots of foods. It's bound to develop nicely over the next year or two, but it's very much drinking now. It's organic and it's just 13% alc.With Burgundy heating up and the reds become richer and fuller, this more delicate Pinot Noir from the Loire seems almost more Burgundy than Burgundy!
More Info
Michel Bedouet is passionate about organic vineyards and winemaking, despite all the hardships it brings in terms of lost crops, compared with using chemicals. We hugely admire his stance. He is based in Le Palet, near Nantes, western France. He makes a range of very good Muscadet, as well as fizz made from organic Chardonnay, and a very little of excellent, delicate, interesting Pinot Noir. Michel Bedouet - winemaker - writes: 'My philosophy is to produce real wines: wines with great minerality; living wines. Wines that consistently offer a pure expression of the terroir from nose to palate. “Neither alcoholism nor elitism,” Epicurus might have quipped, inviting us to such virtuous delights. I produce wines in my own image: they are simply conveyors of camaraderie and joy. I consider business to be a durable, equitable exchange of goods based on shared values. That is why I labour each plot of my vineyards with the same attention, always doing my best.'