Pierre Jean Larraqué Intensive Pinot Noir 2019
Red wine, medium-bodied and fruit-forward Pinot Noir style. · Pierre Jean Larraqué - Grands Vins. Family-owned winery group with several châteaux in Bordeaux and a negociant arm. Known for accessible luxury and a large portfolio that spans various French regions, led by Pierre Jean Larraqué who emphasizes modern winemaking and environmental responsibility.
Vintage: 2019. A warm and excellent vintage across much of France. The growing season provided ample sunshine and heat, resulting in grapes with high sugar levels, ripe tannins, and concentrated fruit flavors while maintaining structural integrity.
Type
Red wine, medium-bodied and fruit-forward Pinot Noir style.
Producer
Pierre Jean Larraqué - Grands Vins. Family-owned winery group with several châteaux in Bordeaux and a negociant arm. Known for accessible luxury and a large portfolio that spans various French regions, led by Pierre Jean Larraqué who emphasizes modern winemaking and environmental responsibility.
Country
France. As the global epicenter of wine culture, France utilizes a hierarchy from Vin de France to AOC. This particular wine represents the modern, approachable side of French winemaking designed for international palates.
Vintage
2019. A warm and excellent vintage across much of France. The growing season provided ample sunshine and heat, resulting in grapes with high sugar levels, ripe tannins, and concentrated fruit flavors while maintaining structural integrity.
Region & Appellation
Vin de France (VDF). This is a national classification that allows for blending across different regions of France, offering the winemaker flexibility to source grapes from the best available parcels without the rigid constraints of specific AOC laws.
Grape Varieties
100% Pinot Noir. This variety is known for its thin skin, high acidity, and aromatic complexity, typically offering notes of red berries, earth, and spice. In this 'Intensive' bottling, it leans toward a richer, riper expression.
Color & Appearance
Ruby red with medium intensity and a clear, bright rim. The appearance suggests a wine with youthful energy and typical Pinot Noir translucency.
Aroma Profile
Primary aromas of ripe raspberry, cherry, and strawberry. Subtle secondary notes of spice and a hint of floral violet. Clean and expressive bouquet.
Tasting Notes
A smooth and approachable palate with immediate red fruit impact. The mid-palate is juicy and rounded, leading to a clean, slightly spicy finish that is easy-drinking and harmonious.
Flavor Profile
Predominantly red fruit: candied cherry and wild strawberry, complemented by light notes of black pepper, forest floor, and a touch of vanilla or sweet spice.
Body & Texture
Medium-bodied with a soft, silky texture. The mouthfeel is approachable rather than aggressive, with a pleasant weight that doesn't feel overly heavy.
Acidity & Tannins
Balanced, fresh acidity that provides lift to the fruit. Tannins are soft, fine-grained, and well-integrated, making it accessible for immediate consumption.
Sweetness Level
Dry (Sec). Minimal residual sugar, though the ripe fruit profile of the 2019 vintage gives it a perceived sweetness and roundness.
Alcohol Content
13% to 13.5%. Typical for a French Pinot Noir of this style, providing enough body to support the fruit without high alcohol heat.
Aging & Oak
Aged primarily in stainless steel to preserve fresh fruit character, with a portion potentially seeing neutral oak or staves to add subtle structure and spice without masking the grape's delicacy.
Food Pairings
Ideal with roasted poultry (chicken or duck), grilled salmon, or creamy mushroom risotto. In Brazil, it pairs beautifully with softer cheeses like Brie or a lighter 'arroz de carreteiro'.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly chilled at 14-16°C in a Burgundy-style glass. Decanting for 20-30 minutes can help open up the aromatics, though not strictly necessary.
Price Range
Estimated R$ 80 - R$ 130 in Brazil ($15-$25 USD). Represents a value-to-premium everyday drinking tier.
Quality Assessment
86-88 points. A high-quality commercial Pinot Noir that focuses on varietal typicity and drinkability rather than long-term complexity.
Production Methods
Vin de Récoltant indicates it was produced from harvested grapes. Standard temperature-controlled fermentation and gentle pressing to avoid harsh tannin extraction.
Terroir
Sourced from various vineyards across France, likely including cooler climate pockets in the South or Southwest, where clay-limestone soils help Pinot Noir retain acidity.
History & Heritage
Pierre Jean Larraqué is a significant player in the modern French wine scene, managing over 1,500 hectares of vines and focusing on 'HVE' (High Environmental Value) certifications.
Interesting Facts
The 'Intensive' label refers to the seek for flavor concentration and intensity. The 'Sommeliers International' sticker suggests it has been reviewed or recommended by trade professionals.
Cellaring Potential
Best enjoyed young. Drink now through 2025 to enjoy the vibrant fruit character. Not intended for long-term cellaring.
Similar Wines
Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Bouchard Père & Fils Pinot Noir, or New World alternatives like Cono Sur Bicicleta from Chile.