The Natura Pinot Noir 2013 is 100% Pinot Noir sourced from certified organic vineyards in the Colchagua Valley in the southern half of the Rapel Valley inside Chile’s Central Valley. The Colchagua Valley is a little cooler than the rest of the Rapel Valley and the western side of the valley sees climate influence from the Pacific Ocean. Natura is a brand from Emiliana Organic Vineyards, a family owned business that has used organic, bio-dynamic and sustainable farming practices since the 1990s. Most of this Pinot Noir was fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, but 10% was aged in French oak for 6 months, then blended in with the unoaked Pinot. The alcohol content is 13.5%.
The color is an extremely see-thru garnet red. The nose is bright fresh red berries with a little vanilla, pepper and dusty autumn leaves. This is Pinot Noir with some weight to the body of wine, there is soft ripe fruit upfront with a little complexity on the mid-palate. It starts with black cherry, strawberry and herbs. The mid-palate shows blueberries in cream and exotic spice. The tannins are soft and the acidity is well-integrated. The finish starts off strong then fades quickly, but never really goes away.
There was a time when inexpensive Pinot Noir were light weight, excessively fruit forward, simple wines, they didn’t have much to hold your interest. But something has changed in the last 5 years, they have become some of my favorite cheap Reds. The Natura Pinot Noir 2013 is balanced and nuanced, fruit forward, but with an edge. Plus it is organically grown and should be found for $12 and under. For pairing I think a Chipotle chicken burrito, pecan encrusted chicken salad or pork chops on the grill.
