D’Autrefois Pinot Noir Reserve, Pays D’Oc, 2023

Bart here. Another beautiful evening after work. I had planned all day of going home and pulling out a motorcycle to give it a wash and go for an evening ride.  My wife, however, had her eyes on another quiet night on the deck with a glass of wine. I opened a 2023 D'Autrefois Reserve Pinot Noir, a product of southern France from the Languedoc.

Vin de Pays is a French wine classification that is above the vin de table or common table wine, however below the appellation d’origine controlle/AOC French classification. These can be great buys if you find the right wines. This example is beautifully ruby red in color and light-to-medium bodied. It has a soft, fresh, earthy forest floor quality with deep cherry and red berry notes, subtle spiciness, and mild toasted vanilla and clove character. Clearly it has spent some time in French oak. There are soft tannins that firm up the backbone of this wine, but they stay comfortably in the background. For a bottling at this price point ($17), it has a delicate richness that many French Burgundy can finesse. One taste and I knew the bike would likely stay in the garage tonight.  This wine begged for an herbal prepared fish or chicken dish.  

My wife prepared a garlic and herb Tilapia topped with basil and parsley, complete with a petite medley of gourmet tri-colored small potatoes and a spinach salad with egg, cheese, cranberries and cashews with red vinaigrette dressing. The bike stays in the garage tonight!  It was fabulous! This meal with garlic and herb roasted fish opened up the pinot, brightening the deep cherry elements and adding another dimension to this wonderful wine.  This would be a fantastic wine with fish, chicken, or light grilling, not to mention an evening on the deck.