My understanding and admiration for the wines of Fromm Winery of Marlborough is based on the classical style and single site expressions of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah, and the finesse of the Riesling wines. As Fromm would put it "we try to avoid becoming fashion victims”, and this focus on the best quality wines modelled on the best examples in the world has stood them in good stead. However, Fromm also states "we like to make wine we like to drink” and will make wines in different styles if the market appreciates them. Hence this new release "Pinot Noir Naturel”, made in a different style to the established bottlings.
The Pinot Noir Naturel has been designed to offer youthful drinkability with vibrancy, energy and without complication. Over the years, Fromm has made wine without sulphur, except adding a small amount at bottling to ensure stability. This has resulted brighter and more approachable wines. Combined with an admiration of Domaine Lapierre Morgon Beaujolais, the Fromm team have decided to make their version of the style with Pinot Noir, without sulphur additions, and as naturel as possible. So organic and biodynamic grapegrowing, with no fining or filtration, and no additives, are points adhered to. As inferred above, this is not a step into the ‘natural wine’ category, but a wine made for current enjoyment employing techniques that work towards the style for early enjoyment. I review the wine here. www.frommwinery.co.nz
