2022 Hispano Suizas Bassus Pinot Noir

Bassus Bassus Pinot Noir 2022 from Hispano Suizas is a striking example of how Pinot Noir can thrive far from its Burgundian homeland, on the chalky plateaus of Utiel‑Requena in eastern Spain. Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, it marries the finesse of the grape with the warmth and spice of a continental climate touched by the Mediterranean. Frequently acclaimed as one of Spain’s very best Pinot Noirs, this cuvée showcases a confident, region‑true style rather than an imitation of Burgundy.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2022 Bassus Pinot Noir shines a vivid red cherry hue with youthful violet highlights at the rim. The nose is expressive and layered: ripe red berries—cherries, crushed strawberries and cassis—are wrapped in notes of licorice, wild herbs and a subtle, nutty chestnut character from its time in oak. There’s both freshness and depth, with a distinct sense of the cool plateau nights behind the fruit profile. On the palate, the wine is supple and creamy in texture, with a generous core of spicy red fruit. Fine baking spice and gentle toast from French oak frame flavors of cherries, raspberries and crushed strawberries, while a touch of savory herb adds complexity. Tannins are very fine‑grained and silky, giving structure without heaviness, and the finish is long, refined and slightly spicy. The 2022 vintage is approachable now, but the concentration, balance and careful élevage suggest good aging potential over the next 5–7 years, during which it will gain further complexity and integration.

Production
The Bassus Pinot Noir grapes come from Hispano Suizas’ own low‑yielding vineyards planted on a limestone plateau in Utiel‑Requena, where poor, chalky soils and a continental climate moderated by Mediterranean influences provide ideal conditions for slow, even ripening. Grapes are hand‑harvested in the cool morning and placed in small 15 kg crates, then chilled in cold rooms to –10 °C for three days to preserve aromatics and freshness. Each crate is hand‑sorted before destemming, and the berries are placed into new 400 L American oak barrels with the tops removed. A stainless‑steel panel circulates chilled water through each barrel to enable four days of cold maceration at 8 °C, with manual punch‑downs performed daily to gently extract color and flavor. Once fermentation begins, the cooling is stopped and temperatures are kept below 26 °C. After around 15 days, the must is pressed very gently in a pneumatic press (max. 0.5 bar), and the wine is then aged for at least 10 months in new French Allier oak barrels. Bottling is done after only a very light filtration, which may leave a natural sediment but preserves maximum character and quality.

Food & Serving
Bassus Bassus Pinot Noir 2022 is a versatile gastronomic wine that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Its elegance and fine tannins make it excellent with roasted poultry, veal, pork tenderloin, seared duck breast, or grilled tuna and richer fish preparations. Earthy flavors are a natural fit—think risotto with wild mushrooms, truffle‑scented pasta, or roasted root vegetables—and it also complements semi‑hard cheeses and delicate washed‑rind styles. Serve at around 16–18 °C; a brief decant of 30–45 minutes can help the aromatics open up, especially in its youth. Expect a bit of natural sediment due to minimal filtration—simply pour gently into a carafe or glass.

Producer
Hispano Suizas is a quality‑driven winery based in Utiel‑Requena, Valencia, that has built a strong reputation for marrying Spanish terroir with an almost obsessive, Burgundian‑style attention to detail. Founded by a team of wine professionals with both Spanish and international experience, the estate has become one of the reference producers in the region, particularly noted for its work with varieties like Pinot Noir and for its meticulous vineyard management. By focusing on low yields, rigorous selection and precision oenology, Hispano Suizas has earned numerous awards and high critical scores, with Bassus Pinot Noir repeatedly singled out as one of Spain’s benchmark expressions of this famously demanding grape.

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