In this review we are discussing an interesting food and wine pairing we created to learn more about France’s Pays d’Oc region. For this occasion, we used the Hautes Pistes Pinot Noir produced by Aubert et Mathieu.
Pays d’Oc wines are known for their vins de cépage: meaning they usually consist of one grape variety only. In total there are around 58 different varieties of grapes! Quite a lot to choose from and discover you would say. for this review we choose a Pinot Noir. Previously we also reviewed a Chardonnay in this series, you can read about that one here.
Hautes Pistes is a Pinot Noir produced by Aubert & Mathieu, two friends who shared a passion for changing the ways of how wines are produced. Bringing change through modern views and a dedicated vision which focusses on producing high quality wines whilst doing their utmost best to preserve the climate around them.
This particular wine comes from the foothills of the Pyrenees. They choose the finest terroirs of the Languedoc-Roussillon quite in the south but taking a high enough altitude to make the pinot noir feel comfortable at home. Its climate brings a unique freshness which is balanced by aromas of red fruits and cherries. Typical for your pinot noir. In optimal conditions this wine is harvested by hand and part of the wine is aged for six months in oak barrels.
The wine surprised us, having tried a lot of Pinot Noir wines from Burgundy we were curious to try one from a different French region. And this one surprised us positively. It is a pure Pinot Noir. Lovely freshness with delicate tones of fresh red fruits (raspberry). The color is gorgeous. A light yet intense velvety red color which dramatically pops out of the glass. Considering the price (between €10-15) we would call this true value for money. This quality for this price is obviously not something you will find in Burgundy.
So, while enjoying a glass of this wine we geared up for a nice cooking session. It was suggested to pair the wine with a beautiful fish using spices such as parsley and red bell pepper. Well we found a nice recipe for fish in one of our favorite cooking books “La table de Caron” by Alain Caron.
Enough with the drinking, let us get cooking!
This review is written by Eline de Geus, on behalf of Dutch Wine Apprentice. We would like to thank Pays d’Oc wines and Pitch PR for providing the wine.
Restaurant Het Koetshuis, nestled in the forests near Bennekom, is a quietly iconic Dutch fine dining destination where classical French cuisine, thoughtful wine pairings, and family heritage come together. In this Chefs & Cellars feature, we explore Danny Löhr’s philosophy on hospitality, Burgundy-driven wine culture, and a refined tasting menu that reflects nearly four decades of culinary craftsmanship in the Netherlands.
In Chefs & Cellars S02E02 we visit Restaurant Het Koetshuis in Bennekom, where Danny Lohr shares how this culinary institute blends classical French cuisine with one of the most exciting Burgundy-focused wine cellars in the Netherlands. Discover the philosophy, heritage and wine culture that make Restaurant Het Koetshuis a must-visit destination in the Veluwe.
Las Pizarras showcases the purest expression of high-altitude Garnacha from Calatayud, where old bush vines grow on slate and limestone soils to deliver elegant, mineral and fresh Spanish red wines. Discover how this ambitious project is redefining Calatayud with terroir-driven Garnacha that rivals the finesse of Priorat while remaining unmistakably Aragón.
High above the Tuscan coast near Riparbella, Caiarossa is redefining biodynamic winemaking with mosaic terroirs, scientific precision, and a Bordeaux-driven philosophy of balance. Under Alexander van Beek, the estate crafts expressive Sangiovese and Bordeaux-blend wines that capture the energy, freshness, and authenticity of coastal Tuscany.
Discover the highlights of the Poot Agenturen 2025 portfolio tasting, featuring legendary estates such as Aldo Conterno, Dr. Bürklin-Wolf, Château Cos d’Estournel and Bibi Graetz, with in-depth masterclasses on Barolo 2015 and terroir-driven German Riesling. From Bordeaux and Piedmont to Tuscany, Napa Valley and Chile, this comprehensive tasting report reveals why Poot Agenturen remains one of the Netherlands’ most respected fine wine importers.
Champagne Billecart-Salmon at Rosewood Amsterdam brought together CEO Mathieu Roland-Billecart, a rare vintage masterclass and a refined Champagne pairing lunch at Restaurant Eeuwen, hosted by Dutch importer Résidence Wijnen. From Nicolas François 1996 to Clos Saint-Hilaire 1998, this exclusive Amsterdam tasting showcased why Billecart-Salmon remains one of the world’s most revered family-owned Champagne houses.
Join our insiders’ list and get exclusive early access to new articles, expert tips, and fresh reviews delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now and be the first to discover!
Subscribe for curated content, podcast alerts and honest wine reviews.