This is, dear readers, the best sub-£10 wine I have consumed this year. It’s a Pinot Noir from the southern Loire region of the Auvergne, which is a story in itself (I hope to visit next year), and it has been unearthed by the talented Richard Kelley MW of ABS Wine Agencies. It comes from volcanic soils, at an altitude of 350-570 m, and the region sits on the 45th parallel, like the Rhone.
The wine is made by the Cave St Verny, who also make a very good Gamay, which is very tasty but not quite in the same league as this Pinot.
Cave St Verny Puy de Dôme Pinot Noir 2010 IGP Auvergne, France
13.5% alcohol. Fresh and aromatic with sappy green notes, hints of herbs and ripe cherry fruit on the nose. The palate is elegant and textured with smooth, sappy red cherry fruit. Beautifully expressive and elegant. A pure, lighter-style red wine with no harsh edges. So drinkable. 92/100 (£9.95 The Sampler)
Cave St Verny Gamay 2011 AOC Côtes d’Auvergne, France
14% alcohol. Very juicy and bright with raspberries and cherries. Supple and sweetly fruited with nice texture. Essence of Gamay, uncomplicated and enjoyable. 88/100
UK agent ABS Wine Agencies
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5 Comments on A brilliant Pinot Noir from the Auvergne
Thanks Jamie, you have just made my year… I should state that whilst I am very proud of the Pinot Noir, I am personally enjoying the Gamay more at the moment (Rebekah and I saw a bottle evaporate very quickly over dinner last night). Thanks for helping to put this forgotten wine region on the map.
I hope it’s good, I’ve got a case on order. Seem to be on a Pinot binge at the moment.
An unbelievably good pair of wines for under a tenner!!
Hi Jaime, I agree with Richard the Gamay is drinking ever so slightly better right now in that it has a little more grip but both are incredibly drinkable. I already have them in stock and will get them on my website tonight.
Cheers
Sean
Superb Pinot Indeed.
Maybe Richard should forget about Chenin, Cab Franc, SA wines and only focus on Pinot!