Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a red wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. The name may also refer to wines created predominantly from Pinot Noir grapes. The name is derived from the French words for pine and black; the pine alluding to the grape variety having tightly clustered, pine cone-shaped bunches of fruit.

Origin

Pinot Noir is believed to be one of the oldest grape varieties to be cultivated for the purpose of making wine. Ancient Romans knew of a wild grape growing in Burgundy that was even then slightly different than what would later be identified as Pinot. Viticulture in the area has been dated back to at least AD 100.

Characteristics

Pinot Noir grapes are grown around the world, mostly in the cooler regions, but the grape is chiefly associated with the Burgundy region of France. It is widely considered to produce some of the finest wines in the world, but is a difficult variety to cultivate and transform into wine.

Wine regions

Pinot Noir is produced in several wine-growing regions of the world, particularly in Burgundy, and in many regions in North America. Other regions that have gained a reputation for Pinot Noir include the Willamette Valley of Oregon, the Carneros, Russian River Valley and Santa Maria Valley AVAs of California, the Elgin and Walker Bay wine regions of South Africa, Tasmania and Yarra Valley in Australia and the Central Otago, Martinborough and Marlborough wine regions of New Zealand.

Viticulture

Pinot Noir is a difficult variety to cultivate. The grape's tendency to produce tightly packed clusters makes it susceptible to several viticultural hazards, and the thin-skin of the grape makes it susceptible to rot and fungal diseases.

Winemaking

The winemaking techniques for Pinot Noir are extremely varied and can have a strong influence on the wine.

Styles

Pinot Noir wines are among the most popular in the world. They are typically light to medium-bodied and are known for their rich aromas and complex flavors.

Food pairing

Pinot Noir is a versatile wine when it comes to food pairing. It goes well with poultry, beef, fish, ham, lamb and pork. It also pairs well with creamy sauces, spicy seasonings and can be enjoyed with or without food.

See also

• List of grape varieties
• List of wine-producing regions
• Wine tasting descriptors

Pinot Noir Resources
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