Weekend wine with Blake Creedon

I once heard one of Chile’s most illustrious winemakers, Aurelio Montes, affectionately refer to the pinot noir grape as being like his teenage offspring: full of potential for a great future — but a royal pain to deal with right now.

The blend of love with intense stressing about keeping them on the straight and narrow just about sums up the attitude of grape growers and winemakers.

Pinot is one of the most awkward grapes, difficult to grow and sensitive to disease — but that the rewards, in terms of aroma and flavour, can be stunning.