Viniou Reviews
Domaine La Rochette’s Pinot Noir Rochettes 2019 from the Neuchâtel AOC is a fine expression of Swiss red winemaking. Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, this vintage showcases the varietal’s notable finesse and purity. The 2019 season in Neuchâtel brought about a balanced ripening, thanks to a combination of warm days and cool nights, allowing for full phenolic maturity while maintaining vital acidity. The terroir, defined by its limestone-rich soils and gentle slopes, imparts delicate minerality and subtle earthiness to the wine. Vinification at Domaine La Rochette favours a gentle extraction, often employing traditional methods with limited oak influence, in order to preserve primary fruit aromas and the grape’s natural elegance. The resulting wine reveals aromas of wild strawberries, redcurrant, and subtle floral notes, underscored by light earthy undertones and fine, silky tannins on the palate.
The Neuchâtel region, nestled alongside Lake Neuchâtel in western Switzerland, boasts a cool continental climate with significant moderating influence from the lake. The area’s limestone and marl soils, remnants of ancient Jurassic seas, offer excellent drainage and contribute freshness and vibrancy to the wines. Neuchâtel has a long-standing tradition of winemaking dating back to the Middle Ages. Pinot Noir is particularly well-suited to the region’s climate, consistently yielding elegant and finely textured wines. The combination of cool summers and mild autumns allows for slow grape maturation and the development of complex aromas.
This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods. Its freshness and delicate structure make it an excellent companion to poultry dishes, such as roast chicken with herbs or duck breast with cherry sauce. Local specialities, like Neuchâtel sausage or cheese fondue, are classic matches, as the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of these dishes. It also complements mushroom risotto or grilled freshwater fish, reflecting the region’s culinary traditions.
For ideal enjoyment, serve this wine slightly chilled, at 14-16°C. Decanting for thirty minutes is advisable to allow the bouquet to fully open. Enjoy over the next three to five years while its youthful vibrancy is at its peak.
