La Catina Estate Pinot Noir 2019

Welcome to Romania – home to “some of Europe’s greatest cool climate vineyards,” says Hugh Johnson, the world’s best-selling wine writer. Winemaking here dates back thousands of years (Plato is rumored to have hailed its vineyards as “the best in the world”), and today, Romania has emerged as a perfect spot for growing ripe, fresh Pinot Noir.

Our intrepid expert, Beth Willard (the International Wine Challenge 2015 Eastern Europe Specialist of the Year), is passionate about this burgeoning region – and she’s very excited for you to try her latest discovery. She uncovered this limited-release, barrel-aged Pinot Noir at a renowned estate that has supplied wine to the Romanian Royal Court of King Michael.

Talented winemaker Lorena Deaconu is in charge in the cellar. She honed her skills at top wineries throughout France, California, and Australia, before returning home to craft world-class Pinot Noir. Her years of experience led her to the premium Dealurile Munteniei region, which lies on a similar latitude to France’s famed Pinot haven, Burgundy, where similarly chilly temperatures impart aromatic intensity and a mouthwatering lift to the palate. As you’d expect, Lorena’s silky Pinot shows all the elegance of its French counterparts – at a far friendlier price.

Crafted with hand-harvested fruit from the La Catina vineyard, it brims with wild raspberry and ripe cherry flavors. Six months in French oak barrels imparts a touch of chocolate and spice to the long, smooth finish. Serve with plank-grilled salmon, pork tenderloin, or roast duck.

Quality-conscious Lorena made very few cases of her delicious Burgundy rival. Hurry for your taste of this exciting Pinot discovery.