I love a good red wine that pairs well with vegetarian fare, and affordable wine of this type even more so. Last Saturday, September 19, I randomly selected this wine to drink alongside some delicious and cheesy Eggplant Lasagna and was pleasantly surprised with its silky mouthfeel and developed flavours.

If you enjoy Chilean Pinot Noirs, try this organic version from Colchagua Valley, which you’ll recognize on shelves with its cute cruiser bike on a cream-coloured label. (Calling all hipsters!)

Last I heard in 2008, the vineyard from which the grapes for this wine was sourced was on its way to becoming fully organic. (Many vineyards take several years for a full organic transition, in order for the chemical effects in the soil to grow out of the vines.) According to Cono Sur’s website, the vineyard appears to still be in transition.

Tasting Notes

A curiously clear garnet colour with a heavier nose than expected of this light-looking wine. Chocolate-covered cherries and mocha come to mind upon inhaling the fragrantly rich and sweetly earthy aroma, which isn’t shy about letting up its relatively high alcohol. (The 2008 is 14% a.b.v.) On the palate, this smoothly textured wine evokes notes of cigar smoke, more cherries and other wild red berries. A ripe, mulled finish to this medium-bodied red makes for lovely sipping.

Vegetarians take note, as this pairs excellently with savoury tomato-based pasta sauces. On the multicultural veggie front, I suggest sticking with the eggplant theme and going with Lebanese roasted baba ghanoush dip. Otherwise, try the popular Chinese Buddhist vegetarian dish of “roast goose.” The crispy, shiitake mushroom-stuffed rolls of dried beancurd, gamey like its meaty idol, will really sing next to this sustainably-grown Pinot Noir. $15