Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2008 750ml

Winery: Hamilton Russell

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir grapes have been cultivated in and around the Burgundy region of France for centuries, where they have long been favored by vintners for their wide range of flavors, their thin skins and for producing wines which have light, smooth tannins, and a beautiful garnet red color Whilst they remain one of the flagship varietals of this special region, their wide popularity and recent status as a fashionable 'romantic' varietal has led to them being planted in almost every wine producing country in the world. However, the Pinot Noir demands a huge amount of care and attention from the wineries that wish to grow it, as this varietal is particularly susceptible to various forms of mildew and rot. Despite this, the grape is otherwise a favorite with wineries for the fact that it requires little extra effort once it begins fermentation. Pinot Noir is also widely known for producing some of the world's most famous sparkling wines, being one of two key grapes for the production of Champagne, and several other sparkling varieties.

Country: South Africa

Perhaps the most famous and well respected of all the wine regions in South Africa is that of Constantia, which holds many of the oldest and most traditional wineries in the country. Here, the temperate climate receives the Atlantic winds which cool the vineyards, and the fertile soil allows the grapes to grow to full ripeness, resulting in highly flavorful wines which are enjoyed around the world. Whilst Sauvignon Blanc varietals make up the most widely exported wines of this region, the rest of the country produces a huge and impressive range of wines, made up from varietals native to many different European countries. From excellent Champagne style sparkling wines, to aromatic fortified examples, fruity reds and refreshing whites, South Africa continues to impress and surprise, with modern techniques and technologies leading the way and producing exceptional results.