Pinot Noir

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Pinot Noir / Pinot noir / is a very popular and old, red wine grape variety that originates from France. For years it has managed to spread to many places around the world and today is grown in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, Great Britain, USA, Canada, New Zealand. Many varieties are believed to belong to his family, including Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. Pinot Noir is a variety that is also known by other names, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Negro, Pinot Fran, Pinot Nero.

Pinot Noir is among the varietiesin which the grapes ripen in the last days of August. Prefers humus-carbonate and calcareous soils. It grows well on cool slopes. If the vines are grown in favorable conditions, they grow moderately fast. They have average fertility and average yield. In general, this variety needs time until the vines develop enough to bear fruit. The positive features of the variety are several: it is resistant to cold weather and relatively resistant to blight. It also manages to overcome powdery mildew. Unfortunately, it is not particularly resistant to gray rot.

Pinot Noir leaves are of different sizes. In principle, they are almost complete, although there are some that are five-part. They are covered with moss on the underside. The branches are also of different sizes, some growing upright and others not. The cluster is rather cylindrical, and its dimensions are not very impressive. The grains are rounded and small, dark blue, with a waxy coating. The meat is tender and watery, with a balanced taste. It is covered with a thin but tough skin. Selected sparkling wines in Champagne and red wines in Burgundy are made from the fruit.

History of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the most ancient varieties on the continent. It is believed to have been known to mankind since antiquity. It was highly valued by the Romans along with nutmeg. There are archives proving that the variety was widespread in Burgundy in the fourth century. Over time, the areas of this variety of vines increase significantly and they are especially popular in France and Germany. At the end of the last century, many manufacturers are already extremely passionate about Pinot Noir. They make every effort just to be able to produce more than the famous grapes.

Characteristics of Pinot Noir

The wines produced from this popular grape variety are red. They are characterized by both intense and less saturated color. When drunk, you feel softness, velvet and at the same time sophistication. Very often their producers add aromas of red and black berries, and sometimes even the scent of forest noise. It should be noted, however, that as these wines are produced in many parts of the world, their taste characteristics differ. There is a certain sweetness in them.

However, its aroma the taste of pinot noir remain variable and most dependent on the conditions under which the wine is grown and its age. Unripe wines are characterized by a tempting fruity scent, reminiscent of small fruits such as cherries, plums, raspberries, strawberries. Quality grape elixirs made from Pinot Noir tolerate growing well in oak barrels. So far, with wood, they are enriched and refined in terms of aroma. Then they acquire notes reminiscent of chocolate and truffles. There is also a faint smokyness. The longest aged wines have every chance to become a memorable red wine with distinct characteristics.

Serving Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is preferred for consumption on hot summer days, when other red wines somehow come in handy. Although wines aged in oak barrels are preferable in the cooler months. Pinot Noir is served in standard wine glasses - in the shape of a bell and with a chair. The shape of the vessel is important because it helps to preserve the best qualities of the wine and at the same time to be felt by the consumer when drinking slowly. It is good for the wine to be cooled to 12-14 degrees.

Pinot Noir goes well with red meats. Beef and lamb specialties are especially suitable for the occasion. It can also be drunk in the company of small game. Smoked meats are also a great solution, no matter if you choose beef, pork or chicken. According to lovers of delicious meats and fragrant wine elixirs, we should be bolder in our choice. They strongly recommend that the wine be combined even with beef or beef tongue.

This delicacy can be prepared with butter, onion, bay leaf, black pepper. It is good not to overdo the spices when combining Pinot Noir and a dish. However, let's not forget that the goal is to reveal and complement the taste and aromatic characteristics of the drink and food, and not one product to overshadow the other. Cheeses can also be a great addition to Pinot Noir, and it's best to stick to a solid look. Gourmets believe that the star in this category is undoubtedly Parmesan. Green fresh salads too much fit pinot noir, and if you flavor them with cream or mayonnaise, the aroma of the wine will be felt even better.