This early-ripening grape is rather finicky. When planted in a hot location, it tends to ripen too quickly and fails to fully develop the extraordinary potential that its relatively thin skin can offer. Today, the ideal place for Pinot Noir on our planet is Burgundy’s Côte d’Or, where in good hands it can convey the unique characteristics of the local terroir. Red Burgundy from this region can be considered the benchmark for this noble grape variety. Looking further afield, world-class Pinot Noir can certainly be found in Germany, New Zealand, Oregon, as well as in the cooler corners of California and Australia.

Aromas and Flavour

Pinot Noir, to generalise, is a thin-skinned grape variety with moderate to high acidity and modest, softer tannins. In colour, it is usually paler than most other red wines.

Its depth lies in aromas of red berries and cherries (in lighter wines, fresh red cherries; in more full-bodied examples, stewed black cherries). Higher-quality wines often carry, in addition to the above, rustic notes. Pinot Noir from warmer growing areas may also develop leathery and herbal nuances, which without proper context could be mistaken for Syrah.

Viticulture

In Burgundy, the traditional vigneron (French for grape grower) typically focuses first on the soil and the local microclimate, rather than solely on the characteristics of the grape variety itself (the term terroir also originates from Burgundy). Pinot Noir wines from this region reflect even the subtlest distinctions in terroir. For example, the wines of Volnay and Pommard are clearly distinguishable, even though their vineyards are separated by just one kilometre.

The influence of terroir is not limited to Burgundy. Many New World winemakers seek to produce more refined, elegant Pinot Noirs that express their place of origin in the Burgundy tradition. The newer Pinot Noir regions of Oregon, Washington, California, and New Zealand offer wine lovers numerous interpretations of this grape. To preserve as much of Pinot’s character as possible, growers often turn to organic and/or biodynamic viticulture, avoiding commercial herbicides and pesticides that could upset the delicate chemical balance of this already capricious grape.

Pinot Noir in Sparkling Wine

Although Pinot Noir has earned most of its reputation as a red wine in Burgundy, it is in fact also responsible for a large share of the world’s finest (white) sparkling wines. For example, Pinot Noir accounts for about 38% of all vineyard plantings in Champagne.

On its own, it is used to produce blanc de noirs (white sparkling wine from black grapes). Such wines tend to be richer and fuller than those made exclusively from white grapes or from blends. Understandably, these sparkling wines often feature a backbone of red and black berry aromas.

Enjoy!