I really love Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Oregon, New Zealand, Tasmania, Sonoma, and, in the last few years, from Patagonia, which is the southern part of Argentina.
Patagonia is ideally suited to Pinot Noir. It's really cool, the climate is arid (cultivation of grapes is only possible because of Canals built by British settlers in the 1800s), and it's really windy, which prevents disease in the vineyards. Also, because it's so dry, phylloxera can't survive there, so the vines have never needed to be grafted to disease resistant rootstock.
The result is some really excellent wines such as the 2018 Zorzal Pinot Noir Terroir Unico, only $14.99.
It is reminiscent of a really fine Willamette Valley Pinot Noir - ripe red fruits, loads of lavender and rose petals on the nose, caressing soft fruit tannins, and a long, sumptuous finish.
The Wine Advocate rated it 92 points, saying: "The floral and perfumed 2018 Terroir Único Pinot Noir is a great expression of the grape with intense flavors, great clarity and precision, and a clean, long and tasty finish. All of these wines have moderate alcohol, very good freshness, and a medium body, which is like saying they are super drinkable. This 2018 has to be one of the finest vintages for this bottling. It is a great value. It was bottled in September 2018 after five months in concrete. Drink 2019 to 2022."
Pick up an order or two of the Bucatini Amatriciana from the I Nonni Curbside takeout menu for a match made in heaven!