Hub’s Hints: Where To Go For Pinot Reply

HUB’S HINTS – WHERE TO GO FOR PINOT!

Somehow it doesn’t seem right for me to be telling everyone (the esteemed public – respected visitors to this site) where to go.  But, in this regard, I need to do exactly that!  Often times, experienced, well-traveled camping enthusiasts share advice and information regarding desirable destinations and provide guidance to help send other adventurous travelers to special places.  In the world of wine, it is also important to know where to go (which appellations) to find the best quality.  Grapes grow literally all over the globe and many varieties flourish in a number of different areas.  But, with certain grape varieties like Pinot Noir especially, it is important to know which appellations and countries of origin provide the best opportunity for quality.

A side note here ~ Pinot Noir, assorted styles and favor profiles would be a welcome companion on any camping excursion.  In the text of this blog, we are examining red wine made from Pinot Noir not, white wines, sparkling, Champagne or rose from this grape variety.  This varietal (a wine named specifically for a particular grape variety) above many others, would compliment a wider array of dishes that are normally served at a camp site.  Pinot Noir goes well with assorted appetizers, soups, light dishes, grilled foods, barbecue – red meat, chicken and this variety is even one of the few red wines that will compliment many fish dishes.

So – – – where exactly do I send you to search out the best opportunity for quality oriented Pinot Noir and the greatest potential satisfaction?  Please keep in mind that even in the best locations, there are many different abilities, capabilities and winemaking philosophies that dictate to the ultimate flavor profile.  There are a myriad of styles that will address and appeal to different consumer desires and tastes.

The following will provide some guidance regarding Pinot Noir ~

First of all, let us pay homage to the single most prestigious and the most respected production area on earth for Pinot Noir!  This, the noblest of grape varieties, the “wine of kings”, reverently respected and highly touted, is at its best in Burgundy, France.  The Cote d’Or (The Golden Hills) is only 26 miles long and approximately 3 miles wide in South Central France and is host to the world’s finest quality Pinot Noir.  Infamous names like Clos Vougeot, Romanee-Conte, Bize-Leroy, Armand Rousseau and my personal favorite, Domain Dujac, produce Pinot Noir that is unparalleled and unexcelled world-wide.  If money is no object and you have an appreciation and appetite for the absolute best – this is your area!

CLOS VOUGEOT

VINEYARDS OF ROMANEE-CONTI

There are numerous other regions of consequence for Pinot Noir.  Consult with your local wine advisor for suggestions and recommendations from the following countries of origin and appellations:

ARGENTINA ~ Patagonia, in the extreme southern portion of the wine production regions of Argentina.

AUSTRALIA ~ Victoria, off the southern coast of Southeastern Australia.

CALIFORNIA ~ Assorted special areas include: Carneros, Sonoma Coast, Russian River and Central Coast (Santa Maria, Santa Rita Hills, Bien Nacito).

NEW ZEALAND ~  Marlborough, popular for Sauvignon Blanc is the northern portion of the south island and Central Otago in the extreme south.

OREGON ~ Most of Oregon is conducive to Pinot Noir but, Willamette Valley especially with a Pacific Coast influence (Chehalem Mountains – Ribbon Ridge & Dundee Hills).

Pinot Noir is not limited exclusively to the above mentioned appellations.  But, you will have the best chance in these areas to find something to your liking.

I wish you luck in your search for the perfect Pinot Noir.  Please do not hesitate to request further information and / or ask for specific recommendations for your style of Pinot in the “leave a comment” section of this blog.  I would be pleased to assist you further.

Hubs

Rocky Mountain National Park 2

 

Once again, a one day adventure from our home outside of Denver, Colorado takes us to the breathtaking National Park ~ Rocky Mountain National Park. A quick drive through Boulder, Lyons and you enter the park just past Estes Park, Colorado. The park encompasses 415 square miles of complete grandeur. You will drive over the famous Trail Ridge Road which is the highest road in any National Park taking you to over 12,000′ elevation. You will experience subalpine and alpines worlds in only a few miles. Wildlife viewing is abundant with sightings of Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer and Marmots to name a few.

“In 1915, Congress created Rocky Mountain, the nation’s 10th national park. Congress created the National Park Service in 1916.”

“Temperature causes tree line. Trees need an average growing temperature of about 50 degrees fahrenheit.”

As noted in my previous post, Mount Evans ~ “If you are a flatlander, please make sure you are aware that temperatures in Denver can be 90 degrees while on top of Trail Ridge Road on the same day, it can be 40 degrees. Dress appropriately, drink tons and tons of water and if you feel fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite or nausea ~ please descend to lower elevations. A drive to Rocky Mountain National Park should be on your bucket list for sure. I highly recommend this peaceful, secluded, masterpiece of our great country on your next journey to Colorado.”

Photo source: Anna Sullivan Photography

Matthew McConaughey and His Airstream 3

Real men travel with Airstreams! And not many are hotter than Matthew McConaughey! His first Airstream was a 2004 Airstream International CCD 28′. Architectural Digest writes: “McConaughey has ordered two new Airstreams—a 34-footer and a 25-foot “Tepee.” In fact, the actor envisions owning an entire fleet of the trailers. “Then one day I’ll have either an Airstream hotel or an Airstream compound. I don’t know where it’ll be yet, but the thing about Airstreams is you feel a little bad for ’em if you got ’em parked too long and the axles aren’t spinning, you know, because they’re built for the road.”

From The Find: “I named the Airstream the Canoe. I mean, the highways are like river ways, they’re just concrete.” Over the years he’s personalized the Canoe with a satellite dish on the roof; a barbecue in back; book racks and ceiling netting to hold travel literature, journals and scripts; and a custom banquette and table to accommodate his six-foot frame. One of the things he really likes of his place is “It’s two seconds from making your bed to putting your coffee on the stove,” McConaughey remarks.

Other fun articles about McConaughey include Men’s Health, Matthew McConaughey: The Air-Conditioned Gypsy, Airstream, Inc: Hollywood Connections

Hutten Palast ~ Caravan Hotel 3

How would you like to camp in the middle of a major city, inside a building? Well, now you can in Berlin ~ introducing Hutten Palast. Situated in a 20,000 sq ft loft, formerly a vacuum cleaner factory, Hutten Palast now houses three refurbished campers and three cozy wooden cabins as an alternative to a hotel stay. Berlin wanted to take part in the Airstream hotel craze that is sweeping the US, France and South Africa. For around $60 per night, you can ditch your typical hotel room and sleep in unique and comfortable digs. Wake up in the morning to freshly roasted coffee, croissants and even a stroll through their garden ~ that’s right, they have converted part of the loft into an outdoor garden oasis for guests. How divine!

Owners Silke Lorenzen and Sarah Vollmer take pride in not only their fabulous and fun accommodations but, also in their culinary offerings. The menu in the cafe is mainly vegetarian and they source out fresh ingredients from local suppliers. They are currently serving breakfast, light lunch and home-made cakes to patrons. Dinner is available starting this year. So, next time you are in Berlin, you must check out Hutten Palast for an overnight stay that you won’t soon forget!

Photo source: Hutten Palast