ChaLou Pinot Noir 2024 by Nadja Wallington from the high‑altitude slopes of Orange is a fragrant, finely shaped cool‑climate pinot that trades on elegance rather than heft, pulsing with red fruit, spice and savoury nuance from this 900‑metre site. This 2024 ChaLou Pinot Noir is 40% whole bunch, the rest whole berry, and sees just 10% new French oak, keeping it focused, energetic and detail‑driven.

On the nose, expect succulent red berry fruits – juicy red cherry, strawberry and pomegranate – woven with dried thyme, violet, lavender and a hint of porcini and turned earth. The palate is light‑ to medium‑bodied but flavour‑packed, showing ripe red cherry, raspberry and a little black fig over savoury, sinewy tannins and fresh, cool‑climate acidity. There’s a subtle line of star anise, beetroot, potting soil and spice from the whole bunch, giving this ChaLou Pinot Noir 2024 real shape and length without ever feeling heavy.

Food‑wise, this is a dream with roast duck, crispy skin chicken, truffle and porcini ravioli with sage butter, or herb‑rubbed pork and quince, where that red fruit and savoury tannin really sing. It’s just as happy alongside charcuterie, mushroom dishes or simply roast veggies, and with its balance of fruit, structure and modest alcohol, it’s a versatile pinot for weeknights, long lunches or a spot on a thoughtful by‑the‑glass list.