Christie Kiley on May 19, 2014 0 Comments If you gotten any great spring and summer wines out of my last few wine reviews, I have got one more you can add on for some sultry summer sipping. Try this lovely wine from the vineyards of Marlborough, New Zealand; the Fromm Clayvin Vineyard 2011 Pinot Noir. This internationally award-winning wine will have you at first sip. The Marlborough Valley of New Zealand is synonymous with Pinot Noir and I am just going to go ahead and say—though I doubt I am the first—that Fromm is synonymous with fabulous Pinot Noir. Taking a chance The story of Fromm begins, like for so many of us, by chance. The fourth generation winemaker from Switzerland, Georg Fromm and his family were traveling the countryside in New Zealand when they met the Cudden family. The Cudden family was a humble bunch and owners of a small vineyard estate. Hatsch Kalberer, was a Swiss-born winemaker at the time out of Gisborne working at Matawhero winery. It was Georg’s idea to buy a piece of land and construct a winery. He brought on Hatsch at a team member since he had experience from both sides of the winemaking world; European mixed with New World style. By two years, in January of 1992, the Fromm winery had transformed from being an idea into reality. The result, are wines of international acclaim thanks to their European roots, perfectly blended with comtemporary Kiwi flair and expertise. Hatsch, from a young age was able to indulge in his passion and even before he owned a car, or had a license to drive one, he was already the head of a reputable winery. When he arrived in New Zealand in 1982, he started at Matawhero Wines. A decade later, he started on the team for Georg and Ruth Fromm in Marlborough to get Fromm Winery launched. He continues with them and has never strayed to far from his original winemaking roots which granted him such success in his own country. As you will see for yourself, these very roots have created a success for Fromm Winery as well. It all begins at the roots The Clayvin Vineyard Pinot Noir I am presenting to you today is named as such for the soils you find in their vineyard with their layer of clay just under the surface. These soils are part of the reason you will find this unique Pinot Noir rich with mature dark fruit. Originally, the Fromm Vineyards were planted with 8 varietals. However, over time, it was obvious that Pinot Noir thrived the best of all in the cool Marlborough climate. The Pinot Noir varietal is one of the most challenging wine grapes to make great wines. Some winemakers might refer to these berries as very young children. They must be well looked after and you can never turn a blind eye. They need special attention and a fine touch. According to Fromm Winery, this all begins in the vineyard with attention to detail leading up and through the entire winemaking process. They have hand-selected clones, including rootstocks with have resulted in the necessity for intensive vineyard maintenance and only allowing small yields. This attention allows for their fruit to truly represent the land from which they are grown. Let’s get on to the wine Before I get into the wine’s description. In case there are any of you out there looking to impress a certain someone, which includes making a special meal and a great wine (Ahem… get this one!), find the best recipe for duck confit or assorted wild mushroom risotto—no dried herbs, get the fresh ones! Where was I? This wine is rich. Did I say that? However, along with richness we need, just as any person might, a touch of elegance to subdue it all. That it is too with fresh, juicy blackberries that stain your fingertips, cherries and soft raspberry. Decant this wine and you will discover its earthy core of dried fallen leaves in the autumn. The palate is equally as intense with finishes of cacao, Christmas spice, and thyme. It is ready to be enjoyed now, even more enjoyed if you decant it. However, for any of you Pinot Noir collectors out there, this will easily cellar until 2018. More Wine Reviews: Gary Farrell Ramal Vineyard 2010 Pinot Noir Animal Espumante Chardonnay-Pinot Noir Cakebread Cellars Red Hills 2010 Zinfandel Oakville Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from Flora Springs Winery
