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Just like the climate, Love is Uncertain

Or the Perfect Wine for Valentine’s Day: Red Bicyclette Pinot Noir

Edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

Love is uncertain. I never know who I will be sharing this romantic holiday with. But one thing is for certain, it I love them enough, they will get to share the 2005 Red Bicyclette Pinot Noir. All they have to bring is the chocolate. But that is another story.

Harvest:
In 2005 winegrowers waited through a cool winter and spring for the warm summer in the south of France. Once the temperatures began to rise warm days were followed by August storms in the Languedoc-Roussillon, which hydrated the vines and allowed them to flourish. During harvest in early September, warm, dry winds blew across the vineyards for two weeks, ensuring excellent conditions for the grapes to ripen. As such,  Red Byicyclette reds were able to achieve full ripeness and  whites matured to gain an optimal balance between acidity and sugar. The combination of temperature and rains created wines characterized by fresh fruit aromas and full, delightful fruit flavors.

Winemaker Notes:
2005 Red Bicyclette® Pinot Noir was sourced from the flatter, windy plains of Gard and Herault. The Gard’s stoney soils make it famous for producing powerful, rich, red wines, whereas the Herault produces medium-weight reds with long palate structure. The combination of Pinot Noir grapes from these areas gave Red Bicyclette’s first vintage of Pinot Noir characteristics of red fruit, vanilla, and smooth tannins.

The grapes used in the 2005 Red Bicyclette Pinot Noir were destemmed and cold soaked. Fermentation took place at warm temperatures (26º to 28º C) to maximize the expression of classic Pinot Noir aromas of cherry, raspberry, and red fruits. Six percent of the wine was matured in French and American oak, which imparted soft, generous, caramel-like characters to the wine. Wines were racked and malolactic fermentation took place. The components were then blended, filtered, and cold-stabilized for bottling.

Taste Profile
Color: Cherry red with ruby hues
Bouquet: Light aromas of plum and raspberry
Palate: Strawberry jam middle palate, with bright, smooth texture
Finish: Full, soft tannins and light berry finish

Suggested Pairings:
Pairs well with salmon, seafood, salads, and grilled chicken. Mild cheeses are another excellent choice.

Grape Source: Herault, Aude, France
Varietal Content: 100% Pinot Noir
PH: 3.6
Residual Sugar: 0.25g/100mL
Titratable Acidity: 0.51g/100mL
Alcohol Level: 13%
RED BICYCLETTE Pinot Noir 2005

For additional information, visit www.redbicyclette.com

Madelyn Miller is a food, wine and travel writer who loves chocolate with her wine. Read her stories on www.travellady.com,  www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com and www.carladynews.com

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SHARE RED BICYCLETTE PINOT NOIR WITH YOUR VALENTINE, BUY THEM A BOOK

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