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Norwegian Pinot Noir
No, it's not a joke but a true story from what must be the most northerly vineyard in the world - on latitude 60º North. The Hallingstad Vineyard lies
just south of the village of Horten and covers some 5 acres, with another 37 available if the experiment succeeds. The site was chosen for the mildness of its micro-climate, influenced by the proximity of
the Oslofjord whose waters help maintain temperature levels. In 1992 the first 2,000 vines were planted and the first wine made in 1995. A further 2000 vines were planted in 1996. Apart from
Pinot Noir there are some small plantings of Chardonnay, Riesling and Viognier and some other hybrids are thriving.
The wine is called L'esprit d'Edvard Munch after the painter of the same name, who bought a small sailor's house in nearby Åsgårdstrand in 1897.
Each vintage of Hallingstad Vineyards bears a label depicting one of Edvard Munch's paintings, a tribute to both the artist and the wine.
Wine on the Web has not yet had the opportunity of tasting any of the wines but Scandinavian wine journalists have written in reasonably encouraging terms. Harald Nordli,
in the Swedish publication All About Wine, describes the Pinot Noir as Lighter than a Burgundy but darker than a Beaujolais. A surprisingly intense and complex bouquet, dominated by wild raspberries.
The Hallingstad Vineyards L'Esprit d'Edvard Munch series 1995 – 1999 has been a great success and only a few bottles are left. The numbered bottles are much sought after by
collectors and the value of a full series has increased by 180% in just 5 years.
The new labels are KITSCH of Odd Nerdrum – best known in the USA.
Sveier Hansen is now experimenting with other varietals and has planted some Vidal Blanc, Schoenburger, Salas Perle and Vitis Vinifera from Estland. Maybe time will
show whether it is possible to produce a Norwegian Icewine.
The winery can be contacted at:-
Tel: + 47 33 08 27 67
Fax: + 47 33 08 24 42
E-mail: sveierha@online.no
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Last updated on April 30, 2008