Grosjean Pinot Noir Vigne Tzeriat 2018 - $35.99
STORY
Drive fifteen minutes northeast from Cunaez Nadir’s winery, a route that guides you over the Dora Baltea River, and you will find yourself at the Grosjean estate. Tucked right along both French and Swiss borders the Valle d’Aosta represents the confluence of both Italian and French cultures at their best; often labels from this region will be in both French and Italian. In the beginning, the Grosjean family was focused on cultivating Petite Rouge, but they have also moved onto other native varieties such as Fumin, Cornalin, Premetta and Vuillermin. But in a region that is traditionally French speaking, you can also find high quality examples of France’s beloved Chardonnay, Syrah, and this month’s outstanding Pinot Noir.
HOW TO
The Vigne Tzeriat is from one of Grosjean’s “cru” vineyards, which enjoys steep slopes and a full southern exposure. Pinot from this site represents the estate's oldest vines with many as old as 53 years, offering more complexity and intensity than their entry level Pinot. Although light by California standards, this would be considered opulent for the region. The south facing vineyards yield fruit that is sturdy enough to benefit from 18 months in barrique to add even greater depth. In no way does this jeopardize the cool Alpine breeze that seems to emanate from the glass. Grosjean has been obtaining a steady following locally and now internationally as their age worthy Pinot and Torrette wines gain more acclaim.
TUNES FOR YOUR JUICE
by Liza Morgioni
Day Is Coming- My Morning Jacket
The Grosjeans are motivated. For generations, they have been a family of opportunists who shape their own success and aim to leave their cherished land better for those to come. Day Is Coming is a wakeup call that poses the question: at the end of the day, will you live up to your potential? Jim James asks in the song: “If opportunity rears its head, will you answer or stay home in bed?” Well the Grosjeans are not the type to stay home in bed, they are the type who has already been up and working for hours before there was even a knock at the door. And this bottle of wine is just as persistent as they are.
Ardent defenders of their terroir, the family has committed to sustainable farming practices for well over half a century, and their Pinot Noir Vigne Tzeriat is a testament to the success of that decision. Fuller bodied than their other pinot noir cuvées, this bottle is completely emblematic of their determination and spirit. The momentum of Day is Coming serves as a perfect background to consume this wine; the drum beat is forward moving and yet anticipatory as well, with the occasional burst of percussive energy. Pinot Noir Vigne Tzeriat is aged for eighteen months in casks and then for six more in the bottle itself, so it’s been waiting for this moment to be opened! “The day is coming, the way is clear, the day has come.”
