What is Pinot Noir?

Key Takeaways

• Pinot Noir is a light to medium-bodied red wine that is notoriously difficult to grow.
• The grape variety has a long and storied history, with French monks as the earliest known cultivators.
• Pinot Noir is prized for its complexity, elaborate aromas, refined texture, freshness, silky tannins, and finesse.
• Pinot Noir is a great choice to enjoy with or without food.

Pinot Noir is a type of red wine that is known for its light to medium-bodied characteristics and fruit-forward taste. The grape variety is notoriously difficult to grow and is grown mostly in cooler climates around the world. The name Pinot Noir is derived from the French words for pine and black, alluding to the grape variety’s tightly clustered, pinecone-shaped bunches of fruit.

Pinot Noir has a long and storied history, with French monks as the earliest known cultivators of the grape variety. Today, Pinot Noir is one of the most popular grape varieties in the world, prized for its complexity, elaborate aromas, refined texture, freshness, silky tannins, and finesse. In this article, we will take a closer look at Pinot Noir, its origins, characteristics, and how to pair it with food.

History and Origin

Pinot Noir is a red-wine grape variety that has been around for centuries. Its name is derived from the French words for pine and black, alluding to the grape variety having tightly clustered, pinecone-shaped bunches of fruit. The grape is grown around the world, mostly in cooler climates, and is known for its thin skin, which makes it susceptible to disease and rot.

Pinot Noir is believed to have originated in the Burgundy region of France, where it has been grown for at least 2,000 years. The grape is still widely grown in Burgundy today, where it is used to produce some of the world’s most expensive and sought-after wines. Pinot Noir is also grown in other parts of France, including Champagne, Alsace, and the Loire Valley.

Pinot Noir was also introduced to Germany in the 14th century, where it is known as Spätburgunder. In Italy, the grape is known as Pinot Nero and is grown mainly in the northern regions of Lombardy, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. In Australia, Pinot Noir is grown mainly in cooler regions such as Tasmania, the Yarra Valley, and the Mornington Peninsula.

Pinot Noir has a long history and a reputation for being difficult to grow and make into wine. However, when done correctly, it can produce some of the most complex and elegant wines in the world.

Pinot Noir Around the World

Pinot Noir is a grape variety that is grown in many countries around the world, mostly in cooler climates. Here are some of the most notable regions where Pinot Noir is produced:

France and Burgundy

France is the birthplace of Pinot Noir, and Burgundy is the region where it is most famously grown. The wines of Burgundy are often considered the benchmark for Pinot Noir, with their delicate aromas and flavors of red fruit, earth, and spice. Some of the most famous appellations for Pinot Noir in Burgundy include Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, and Vosne-Romanée.

California

California is one of the largest producers of Pinot Noir in the world, with many different regions producing high-quality wines. Some of the most famous regions for Pinot Noir in California include the Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, and Santa Barbara. These wines tend to be richer and more fruit-forward than their Burgundian counterparts.

Oregon

Oregon’s Willamette Valley is another region that has gained a reputation for producing high-quality Pinot Noir. The wines from this region tend to be more delicate and nuanced than those from California, with flavors of red fruit, earth, and spice. Other regions in Oregon that produce Pinot Noir include the Ahr and the Umpqua Valley.

New Zealand

New Zealand is known for its Sauvignon Blanc, but it also produces some excellent Pinot Noir. The most famous region for Pinot Noir in New Zealand is Central Otago, which produces wines with rich fruit flavors and a spicy finish. Other regions in New Zealand that produce Pinot Noir include Marlborough and Martinborough.

Chile

Chile is another country that has gained a reputation for producing high-quality Pinot Noir. The most famous region for Pinot Noir in Chile is the Casablanca Valley, which produces wines with flavors of red fruit, spice, and earth. Other regions in Chile that produce Pinot Noir include the Bio Bio Valley and the Leyda Valley.

Germany: Spätburgunder

Germany is known for its Riesling, but it also produces some excellent Pinot Noir, which is known as Spätburgunder. The wines from this region tend to be lighter and more delicate than those from other regions, with flavors of red fruit, spice, and earth. The most famous regions for Spätburgunder in Germany include the Ahr and the Baden.

Australia

Australia is another country that produces some excellent Pinot Noir, with many different regions producing high-quality wines. Some of the most famous regions for Pinot Noir in Australia include the Yarra Valley, the Mornington Peninsula, and the Adelaide Hills. These wines tend to be more fruit-forward than their European counterparts, with flavors of red fruit and spice.

Italy: Pinot Nero

Italy is known for its Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, but it also produces some excellent Pinot Noir, which is known as Pinot Nero. The wines from this region tend to be lighter and more delicate than those from other regions, with flavors of red fruit, spice, and earth. The most famous regions for Pinot Nero in Italy include Alto Adige and Lombardy.

Pinot Noir is a grape variety that is grown in many different regions around the world, each with its own unique style and flavor profile. Whether you prefer the delicate aromas and flavors of Burgundy or the fruit-forward richness of California, there is a Pinot Noir out there for everyone.

Characteristics of Pinot Noir

Grape Variety

Pinot Noir is a red grape variety that is grown around the world, mostly in cooler climates. It is known for its thin skin and tightly clustered, pinecone-shaped bunches of fruit. The grape is fussy and difficult to grow, making it a challenge for winemakers, but it is also highly prized for its unique characteristics.

Flavor Profile

Pinot Noir is a light to medium-bodied, medium-dry red wine that is typically fruit-forward. It has a complex flavor profile that includes aromas of forest floor, earthy mushroom, and spicy notes. Flavors of dark cherries, red currants, and berries are common, along with notes of raspberry, cherry, vanilla, and strawberry. Some Pinot Noir wines may also have hints of oak, cola, and smoke.

Texture and Body

Pinot Noir has a light to medium body and a smooth texture. It is known for its elegance and finesse, with a silky mouthfeel that is not heavy or overpowering. Pinot Noir is often compared to Burgundy wines, which are known for their delicate and nuanced flavors.

Acidity and Tannins

Pinot Noir has medium-high acidity, which gives it a refreshing and crisp finish. The tannins in Pinot Noir are generally soft and supple, which adds to its smooth texture and makes it an easy-drinking wine. Pinot Noir is not typically a tannic wine, but some varieties may have a slightly more tannic finish.

Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods. Its complex flavor profile and smooth texture make it a popular choice for wine enthusiasts around the world.

Pairing Pinot Noir with Food

Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. With regards to pairing Pinot Noir with food, there are a few general guidelines that can help you make the most of this wine.

Meat Pairings

Pinot Noir pairs well with meaty dishes, particularly those made with duck or chicken. The wine’s acidity and tannins help to cut through the richness of the meat, while its fruitiness complements the flavors. Pinot Noir also pairs well with pork and lamb, particularly when they are prepared with herbs and spices.

Seafood Pairings

With regards to seafood, Pinot Noir is a great choice for salmon. The wine’s acidity helps to balance the richness of the fish, while its fruitiness complements the flavors. Pinot Noir also pairs well with other meaty fish, such as tuna and swordfish, as well as shellfish, particularly those prepared with mushrooms.

Vegetable Pairings

Pinot Noir pairs well with a variety of vegetables, particularly those that are earthy and savory. Mushrooms are a particularly good choice, as they complement the wine’s earthy flavors. Pinot Noir also pairs well with roasted vegetables, such as beets and carrots, as well as dishes made with lentils and other legumes.

Overall, Pinot Noir is a great choice for a variety of foods. Whether you’re serving meat, seafood, or vegetables, this wine is sure to complement your dish and enhance your dining experience.

Serving and Storing Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a delicate wine that requires proper serving and storage to bring out its full flavor. Here’s what you need to know about serving and storing Pinot Noir.

Serving Temperature

The ideal temperature to serve Pinot Noir is between 60-65°F (15-18°C). If the wine is too cold, the flavors and aromas will be muted. If the wine is too warm, the alcohol will be more pronounced, and the wine will taste flabby.

To achieve the ideal serving temperature, you can chill the wine in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can keep the wine at room temperature, but make sure to avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Cellaring Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a wine that can benefit from cellaring. If you plan to age your Pinot Noir, it’s important to store it properly.

The ideal cellar temperature for Pinot Noir is between 50-55°F (10-13°C). The humidity should be around 70%, and the wine should be stored in a dark and vibration-free environment.

If you don’t have a wine cellar, you can use a wine cooler or a wine fridge to store your Pinot Noir. Make sure to keep the wine bottles lying down to keep the cork moist and prevent air from entering the bottle.

ABV

The alcohol by volume (ABV) of Pinot Noir can vary depending on the region and winemaking style. Generally, Pinot Noir has an ABV of around 13-14%.

It’s important to note that higher ABV wines tend to have more pronounced alcohol flavors and can taste “hot.” If you prefer a more subtle and delicate Pinot Noir, look for wines with a lower ABV.

Overall, serving and storing Pinot Noir requires attention to detail and proper technique. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your Pinot Noir is enjoyed to its fullest potential.

Production and Winemaking

Vineyard Practices

Pinot Noir is a grape variety that is highly sensitive to its environment and requires specific vineyard practices to produce high-quality wines. We carefully select the vineyard location, soil type, and climate to ensure the grapes have the right conditions to thrive. The grapes are typically grown in cooler climates, with a long growing season, and with well-drained soils.

Aging Process

Pinot Noir is known for its ability to age gracefully, and the aging process is a crucial step in the production of high-quality wines. We age our Pinot Noir in oak barrels to impart flavor and complexity to the wine. The length of aging can vary depending on the desired style of the wine, but typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years.

Varietal and Clones

Pinot Noir is a highly variable grape variety, and there are many different clones and varietals that can be used in winemaking. We carefully select the clones and varietals that will produce the desired flavor profile and characteristics in our wine. Some of the most common Pinot Noir clones include Pommard, Dijon, and Wädenswil.

In addition to clones, the varietal of Pinot Noir can also vary depending on the region and winery. For example, some regions may produce a more fruit-forward Pinot Noir, while others may produce a more earthy and complex wine.

The production and winemaking of Pinot Noir is a delicate and precise process that requires careful attention to detail. From the vineyard practices to the aging process, every step in the production process plays a crucial role in creating a high-quality Pinot Noir wine.

Pinot Noir in Popular Culture

Pinot Noir has become a popular wine not only among wine enthusiasts but also in popular culture. It has been featured in movies, TV shows, and songs. In the movie “Sideways,” the main character, Miles, played by Paul Giamatti, is a wine enthusiast and a big fan of Pinot Noir. The movie has been credited with increasing the popularity of Pinot Noir in the United States.

In the movie, Miles explains that he likes Pinot Noir because it is a difficult grape to grow and make into wine. He says that Pinot Noir is not a “survivor” grape like Cabernet Sauvignon, which can grow almost anywhere. Pinot Noir requires a cool climate, specific soil conditions, and careful handling in the winemaking process. This makes it a challenging grape to grow and produce, but when done right, it can produce a wine that is complex, elegant, and nuanced.

Since the release of “Sideways,” Pinot Noir has become a popular choice for wine drinkers looking for something different from the usual Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. It has also been featured in other movies and TV shows, such as “The Bachelor,” “Frasier,” and “The Office.”

Overall, Pinot Noir has become a popular wine choice for wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. Its unique flavor profile and challenging growing conditions make it a wine that is both interesting and complex. Its popularity in popular culture has only helped to increase its appeal and make it more accessible to a wider audience.

Other Types of Pinot

While Pinot Noir is the most well-known variety of Pinot, there are other types of Pinot that are worth exploring. These include Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, as well as sparkling wines made from Pinot grapes.

Pinot Blanc

Pinot Blanc is a white wine grape that is a mutation of Pinot Noir. It is grown in many regions around the world, including France, Germany, Italy, and the United States. Pinot Blanc is typically a light to medium-bodied wine with flavors of apple, pear, and citrus. It is often used as a blending grape in sparkling wines, including Champagne.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio, is a white wine grape that is grown in many regions around the world, including Italy, France, and the United States. It is a light to medium-bodied wine with flavors of apple, pear, and citrus. Pinot Gris can also have some floral and spice notes, depending on the region in which it is grown. It is a popular wine for pairing with seafood, salads, and other light dishes.

Sparkling Wines

Pinot grapes are also used to make sparkling wines, including Champagne. These wines are made using the traditional method, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle. Pinot grapes are often used in blends with other grape varieties, such as Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, to create complex and flavorful sparkling wines. These wines are typically dry and acidic, with flavors of apple, pear, and citrus.

While Pinot Noir is the most well-known variety of Pinot, there are other types of Pinot that are worth exploring. Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris are both light to medium-bodied white wines with flavors of apple, pear, and citrus. Sparkling wines made from Pinot grapes are also popular and can be found in many regions around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions