When asked the general question: “What is your favorite type of wine?” I struggle to really feel confident in my answer, but my default is usually pinot noir. This has nothing to do with Sideways either. I think I give this answer because some of the most memorable wines I’ve had have been pinots, like the 2003 Joseph Swan Trenton Estate from the Russian River Valley or a 2006 Bethel Heights from Oregon. That said, I was quite excited – and intrigued – to open up a pinot from Chile: a 2008 Ritual Casablanca Valley made by Veramonte.

This wine was very good and distinctly different from it’s Oregon or California counterparts, and I like that. The color and fruit was darker and deeper than most pinots – especially compared to the reds of Burgundy. But this added depth did not make the Ritual any less drinkable without food. In my opinion, this point is especially key in a pinot: good on its own and good with food.

The Ritual did spend some time in new oak and it showed. Maybe the clear oak notes will subside over time, but right now they over power a lot of the unique terroir offered by the fruit of this wine. This was really my only complaint with the Ritual.

Something to not complain about one bit: the wine retails for $18. If someone asked me, “What is the best pinot I’ve had under $20?” My answer would be that it does not exist. Well, now it does. Like it’s sister wine, the Veramonte sauvignon blanc, the Ritual pinot noir looks to be one of the best values to be found for its varietal.