The 2011 Scarlet of Paris Pinot Noir is an IGP IIe de Beaute (Isle of Beauty) wine from Corsica, which is about 105 miles off the coast of Southeast France in the Mediterranean. IGP wines (Indication Geographique Protegee) are the classification that replaces the Vin de Pays wines, it basically refers to wines that are typical of wine from a defined area, but does not meet all the rules and regulations. Corsica (the birth place of Napoleon Bonaparte) is located about halfway between France and Italy and its long wine tradition is more rooted in Italy than France. The price on the internet ranges from $8 to $14. The alcohol content is 12%.
The color is a see-thru plum red with a clear halo. The nose is cherry, raspberry, mushroom and Thanksgiving herbs. It tastes black cherry, subtle herbal tea, soft cinnamon spice and bright, ripe raspberry. The mid palate adds some Pinot Noir complexity, a little tar, a touch of leather, soft touches of the funky things that are good about Pinot Noir. The tannins are soft and the acidity is well balanced. The finish is smooth, subtle and fairly long.
The 2011 Scarlett of Paris Pinot Noir is a little too soft and subtle to be a knock-out Pinot Noir, but it is not bad. This is one of those wines that grows on you more sips you take. This is an inexpensive Pinot Noir that would match up well with Thanksgiving dinner, light bodied with good flavor and decent structure.
