Simpsons’ Derringstone 2019 Still Blanc de Noir Pinot Meunier

When I first came across Simpsons’ Derringstone Still Blanc de Noir Pinot Meunier, I was rather surprised. First of all, I was actually looking for a still, red UK Pinot Meunier. So, I had to double check that I was reading the description properly. Yes, it was a still blanc de noir Pinot Meunier, which I had never tried. Eager to explore the wonders of this wine, I ordered a bottle from Grape Britannia, which is my go-to online shop for British wines.

The sophisticated label (I love rose gold) and glass stop is evidence that a lot of care and attention to detail has gone into designing and bottling this wine. As a result, I’m eager to discover what’s inside!

While pouring the wine, I was pleasantly surprised by the medium gold colour that emerged from the bottle. On the nose, I detected notes of biscuit and brioche, which are a result of lees aging. Additionally, creamy, buttery aromas directly related to the wine undergoing malolactic fermentation were pleasantly wafting my way! On the palate, flavours of golden apple, juicy ripe pear and an under currant of citrus peel danced on my palate and lingered on a lengthy finish.

Additionally, I detected a subtle petrol note. Pinot Meunier is not known for being an age worthy variety, unless it comes from older vines (vieilles vignes). As this wine has already been exposed to some oxygen during the lees ageing, this could simply be a sign of the wine’s development.

This wine isn’t overpowering, yet it’s filled with complexities and is a journey of flavours.

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