It’s relatively easy to find a good bottle of red wine made from almost any internationally known grape for under $25. The world wine market produces many good quality, inexpensive Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, Tempranillos, Syrahs, Zinfandels, Cabernet Francs, Malbecs, Grenaches, Sangioveses, Nebbiolos, Gamays, Carignans, Barberas and many more. There is one red wine, however, that is difficult to source inexpensively and still maintain good quality: Pinot Noir.
The reason Pinot Noir tends to be more expensive is that it’s a finicky grape that is difficult to grow well. It has thin skin, which makes it susceptible to fungus and disease, it bruises easily and generally requires harvesting by hand instead of machine. In addition, to get the best out of Pinot Noir grapes, they require specific soil conditions and a Goldilocks climate — one that is not too hot, not too cold, but just right.
These factors combined mean it costs more to grow Pinot Noir grapes than it does most other grapes and in the end, consumers pay the price.
La Crema’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is an exception to the rule that suggests there’s no such thing as a good inexpensive Pinot. In September, this wine is offered at West Indies Wine Company at the sale price of CI$23.99.
Produced from grapes grown on the cool Sonoma Coast, this easy-drinking, well-balanced wine displays aromas and flavours of cherries, with spice notes of cinnamon and pepper.
It’s a crowd-pleasing Pinot Noir that can be enjoyed by new wine drinkers or wine aficionados, and will pair with many different kinds of foods. It can also be served slightly chilled, making it a good red wine choice during Grand Cayman’s summer months.
