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" alluding to the grape variety's tightly clustered dark purple pine-cone shaped bunches of fruit.

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.

History

The Pinot Noir grape is believed to be named after the pine-like shape of the grape bunch as it grows on the vine. However, despite the grape's international fame, it is incredibly difficult to grow, requiring warm days and cool nights. In the vineyard, the thin-skinned grape is susceptible to a multitude of different diseases and pests, and in the winery, it is sensitive to fermentation methods. Pinot Noir is so delicate that winemakers often find it challenging to produce a medium-bodied, medium-dry, high-acidity wine with a deep, complex flavor.

Viticulture

Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to cultivate. It is susceptible to a wide range of diseases and its thin skin makes it prone to rot. However, when it is successful, it can produce some of the most amazing wines in the world.

Winemaking

The winemaking process for Pinot Noir is similar to other red wines. The grapes are harvested, crushed, and then fermented in large vats. After fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels for a period of time before being bottled.

Regions

While Pinot Noir is grown in several regions around the world, it is most commonly associated with Burgundy, France. Other notable Pinot Noir-producing regions include the Willamette Valley in Oregon, the Carneros, Russian River Valley, and Santa Maria Valley AVAs of California, and the Central Otago, Martinborough, and Marlborough wine regions of New Zealand.

Food Pairing

Pinot Noir is a versatile wine for pairing with food. Because of its high acidity and delicacy, it can be paired with a wide variety of ethnic cuisines and dishes. Pinot Noir is also one of the few wines that pair well with both red and white meats, making it a good choice for a dinner party with diverse food offerings.