Pinot Noir
Andrii Savchenko
Pinot Noir is often described with aromas of red berries such as cherries or raspberries and spices such as cloves or mushrooms, depending on the origin. It is a wine with a light to medium body, low level of tannins, and medium acidity. Unlike other grapes, Pinot Noir prefers cooler climates, especially areas with large amounts of water - something that is common for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It is classified as one of the most common varieties for the production of single grape variety wine.
Where is Pinot Noir from?
Pinot Noir is a French grape that originates from Burgundy. Although it is a delicate and difficult grape variety to grow, Pinot Noir can be found in large quantities in countries such as the United States or Germany, which are two of the largest producers of this grape, followed by Moldova, Italy, New Zealand, Chile, and many others.
Interesting story about Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir comes from the French word pine (pineapple) and noir (black) thanks to its pineapple-shaped clusters. Pinot Noir is believed to be one of the oldest grapes in the world. According to DNA analysis, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir are mutations of the same grape variety.
Pinot Noir grape characteristics
Unlike many other grapes, Pinot Noir thrives in cold climates. The grape prefers to be surrounded by water and to be protected from the wind, especially in the valleys. As Pinot Noir grows all over the world, different types of soils or the amount of sun that the grapes receive can impact the final composition of Pinot Noir wine.
Pinot Noir Wines
Pinot Noir is one of a few red grapes that can be easily used in production of rosé and sparkling white wines. In Sancerre in the Loire Valley, for example, Pinot Noir red and rosé wines are lighter than the same wines from Burgundy. Interesting fact, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are the only two red grape varities allowed to be used in the production of the world's most famous sparkling wine - Champagne!
What to pair with Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir is a light wine that goes very well with salmon or trout. It also pairs well with white meat such as chicken, duck, or pork. If we are looking for a vegetarian dish, Pinot Noir goes well with a rich mushroom risotto or roasted vegetables. Generally, Pinot Noir is a wine that makes everyone happy around the dining table, without neglecting cheeses such as brie or cheddar.
Where to find the best Pinot Noir wines
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Burgundy
Here are some wineries in Burgundy where you can taste the best Pinot Noir wines:
Mosel
Here are some wineries in Mosel where you can taste the best Pinot Noir wines:
New Zealand
Here are some wineries in New Zealand where you can taste the best Pinot Noir wines:
Frequently Asked Questions about Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is red grape variety. However, it might be used for production of all styles of wines: be it red, rose, or white so-called blanc-de-noir.
Pinot Noir grape is sweet even though it is less sweet than other Vitis Vinifera grapes - that's why it disclose its true potential in colder climater better than other grape varities.
Pinot Noir is a French name of the grape thus it must be pronounced accodringly: PEE-noh nwar.
The most common Pinot Noir descriptors are red berries (cherry and raspberry), vanilla, mushrooms, and clove.
Pinot Noir is best served slightly chilled - around 14-17 degrees Celcium.
Malbec is the meatier of the two varieties, offering structure and tannin to the blend. Conversely, Pinot Noir is more aromatic, giving perfume to the wines. When properly balanced, Malbec and Pinot Noir blends can exhibit plums and violets on the nose, with classic red-berry and dark-raspberry flavors.
The flavor of Pinot Noir is stronger than Merlot but less powerful than a Cabernet. Pinot Noir is like liquid silk. It has a lush, velvety texture and alluring berry notes with a hint of mushrooms and tea leaves. You'll notice a medium to high acidity, smooth tannins, and a long, lingering finish.
Gamay, found most notably in Beaujolais, is a light-bodied red wine that's similar in taste to Pinot Noir. In fact, this variety is a cousin of Pinot Noir and it grows primarily next to Burgundy, France (Pinot motherland) in a region called Beaujolais.
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