Maison Louis Latour, Var IGP (Provence, France) Pinot Noir “Valmoissine” 2024 ($18, Louis Latour USA)

Latour started this project in the mid-1980s, finally buying land and planting Pinot Noir in this part of Provence in 1990. They purchased and renovated a winery in the area. The winemaking is identical to what they do in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or. Latour now has about 250-acres planted at a high elevation, 1,500 feet, which allows the vines to take advantage of warm and sunny days buttressed by cool nights. That combination of temperature ripens the grapes nicely while preserving acidity, which is why the wine has vibrancy. And the vibrancy is apparent in the balanced mid-weight 2024 Valmoissine. An appealing hint of earthiness harmonizes with the wine’s bright red fruitiness. A delight to drink now, Latour’s Valmoissine Pinot Noir would be an ideal choice for take-out rotisserie chicken or other everyday king of fare. The price enhances its enjoyment.
90 Michael Apstein