Wine of the week: Quintay Clava Coastal Reserve Pinot Noir 2022

Chilean pinot noir stands on its own — and tastes like pinot noir

I once wrote a trade piece about trends in pinot noir, and quoted a supermarket-style winemaker who said quality pinot could be made pretty much anywhere in the world, and by blending pretty much any grape with the required 75 percent of pinot noir.

Which explains why pinot noir that costs less than $40 so rarely tastes like pinot noir anymore, but more like a red blend – and sometimes sweet. (That so much pinot that costs more than $40 is also lacking is a post for another day.)

Which is also why I was so pleased to taste the Quintay Clava Coastal Reserve Pinot Noir 2022 ($15, sample, 13%). It’s Chilean pinot noir that tastes like pinot noir, with the understanding that the Chilean style is not the same as the French. And that this is pinot and not a sweet red blend stripped of acidity and tannins.

As my tasting notes ask: “Who knew anyone did this sort of wine any more?”

The Clava differs from France’s red Burgundy in that it tastes fresher and isn’t funky – none of that forest floor or mushroom stuff that pinot lovers geek out about. Instead, it has berry fruit (raspberries?), soft tannins, and just enough acidity. It is simple, but it’s not stupid by any means.

All in all, and even including the price, it’s very well done and highly recommended. Pair this with fall red meats, as well as roast chicken.

Imported by Global Vineyard Importers