Pinot Noir is loved for its elegance and complex flavors. It has a long history in Burgundy, where it’s been grown for almost a thousand years. This wine is known for its versatility and rich taste1.
Pinot Noir is grown on 260,647 acres worldwide, ranking it the 6th most planted red grape variety. It’s found in France, the USA, Germany, New Zealand, Italy, and Australia2. Its history, geography, flavors, and aging potential make it a favorite among wine lovers.
Key Takeaways
- Pinot Noir has a nearly 1,000-year history in Burgundy1.
- It is one of the three main grape varieties used in Champagne production1.
- The vineyards of Pinot Noir span 260,647 acres worldwide, placing it as the 6th most planted red grape variety2.
- Regions like California, Oregon, and New Zealand are vital to its production12.
- Pinot Noir is celebrated for its complexity, medium-high acidity, and moderate tannins12.
What is Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir is known for its delicate and complex flavors. It comes from France’s Burgundy region, dating back to around 1,800 years ago3. This grape variety is loved for its red fruit flavors and floral notes, making it a favorite among wine lovers worldwide.
Today, Pinot Noir is grown in many cool places. You can find it in Burgundy, Sonoma County, and other areas4.
Pinot Noir is tricky to make because of its delicate nature. It’s said that “God made Cabernet Sauvignon, whereas the devil made Pinot Noir.” This shows how careful you need to be when growing it4. But, it’s amazing at showing off the place it’s grown in. For example, Burgundy Pinot Noirs taste earthy, while California ones are fruitier3.
For more details, check out Wine Spectator4.
The Regions That Produce Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is loved worldwide for its unique taste, thanks to the places it grows. In the United States, Oregon’s Willamette Valley and California’s Sonoma Coast are famous for their Pinot Noirs. These areas make wines with complex flavors like raspberry and cherry5. The Willamette Valley’s cool climate is perfect for Pinot Noir, while Sonoma Coast’s coastal influence adds depth to the wine5.
“Pinot Noir comprises 38% of the grape varieties planted for sparkling wine production in Champagne and similar wine regions.”
New Zealand’s Central Otago and Marlborough are also known for their Pinot Noirs. Central Otago’s cool climate brings out cherry and baking spice flavors in New Zealand Pinot Noirs5. Chile’s Patagonia is another up-and-coming area, known for its unique climate and flavors6. In Europe, Burgundy is famous for its Pinot Noirs, offering earthy and tart cherry flavors starting at $345. Germany’s Ahr region, though warmer, produces ripened Pinot Noir grapes for its celebrated wines, starting at $135.
| Region | Climate Characteristics | Price Points |
|---|---|---|
| Willamette Valley, Oregon | Cool, maritime-influenced | Starting at $20 |
| Sonoma Coast, California | Coastal, moderate | Around $30 |
| Central Otago, New Zealand | Cool, continental | Approximately $25 |
| Marlborough, New Zealand | Maritime | Approximately $25 |
| Patagonia, Chile | Cool, windy | N/A |
| Burgundy, France | Cool, continental | Starts at $34 |
| Ahr, Germany | Warm for German standards | Starts at $13 |
Each region, with its own climate and soil, helps create the unique flavors of Pinot Noir. The United States and other famous regions around the world keep Pinot Noir’s reputation high6.
Tasting Pinot Noir
Learning to taste Pinot Noir right is key to enjoying its complex flavors and scents. This red wine tastes best when it’s a bit cooler than room temperature, between 55-60°F. Also, decanting helps the wine breathe, bringing out its rich aromas and tastes.
Pinot Noir can taste like cherries and raspberries in younger wines. Older wines might have earthy smells like mushrooms and forest floor. You might also notice floral and tea leaf notes. Different wineries make Pinot Noir with unique characteristics.
| Winery | Flavor Profile | Alcohol by Volume (ABV) |
|---|---|---|
| Flowers Vineyard and Winery | Clear, ruby-garnet red with significant earth and raspberry notes | 13.9% |
| Tin Barn Vineyards | Pale garnet color with a vibrant fusion of rhubarb and cherry flavors | 13.9% |
| Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery | Opulent wine with a full-bodied palate | 14.2% |
| Dragonette Cellars | Lively aromas of wild roses and a fresh fruit profile | 14.1% |
| Trombetta Family Wines | Elegantly balanced with a deep rubescent red color | 14.2% |
| Verse by Ryme Cellars | Pale raspberry color with delicate floral notes and lively acidity | 12.8% |
| Inman Family Wines | Pale red-garnet wine noted for its great acidity and elegant finish | 12.5% |
| Bethel Heights | Silky body and juicy finish with tart cherry and herbal aromas | 13.5% |
| Elizabeth Chambers Cellar | Known for its sleek acidity and fine-boned tannins | 13.3% |
By learning to taste Pinot Noir right, you discover its unique flavors and sensations8. Remember, decanting, serving at the right temperature, and knowing its flavors are key to enjoying Pinot Noir.
Food Pairings with Pinot Noir
- Duck and Game Birds: Peking duck and roasted game birds like goose and venison pair well. They match the wine’s rich fruit and moderate tannins910.
- Grilled and Smoked Meats: Pinot Noir is great with smoky elements. It pairs well with grilled beef, bacon, and barbecue dishes like chicken and ribs. Its soft tannins and good acidity enhance these flavors911.
- Rich Mushroom Dishes: Mushroom risotto and beef cutlet with mushroom sauce are great. The wine’s earthy notes balance the richness beautifully9. Its acidity cuts through the richness, creating a harmonious blend10.
- Salmon and Tuna: Pinot Noir is a good match for rich flavors of grilled salmon and tuna. The wine’s acidity complements the fattiness of the fish, making it an excellent match911.
- Roast Chicken: Pinot Noir’s high acidity pairs well with creamy, fatty textures of roasted chicken. It balances and rounds out the dish’s flavors1011.
For cheese lovers, Pinot Noir pairs well with cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Gruyere, and goat cheese. It enhances their creamy, tangy profiles910. Desserts like chocolate-covered strawberries, especially those with milk and white chocolate, are a delightful endnote. This is because many Pinot Noir varieties have lighter tannins9.
Serving Recommendations for Pinot Noir
Enjoying Pinot Noir is best when it’s served at the right temperature. Experts say to serve it between 50°F and 60°F. This keeps its delicate taste and rich flavors in check.
Choosing the right glass is also key. The best glass for Pinot Noir has a wide bowl and a narrow rim. This design helps bring out the wine’s complex aromas and tastes.
Decanting is another important step. Letting the wine breathe for about 30 minutes before serving can make a big difference. It helps older vintages to show off their full flavor and aroma.
Pinot Noir is great with many foods12. It pairs well with simple snacks like cheese and crackers or more complex dishes like stuffed mushrooms. A well-served Pinot Noir can elevate any meal.
Here’s a table with tips on glassware and decanting to improve your Pinot Noir experience:
| Serving Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Optimal Temperature for Serving | 50°F – 60°F |
| Recommended Glassware | Aroma collector glass with wide bowl and narrow rim |
| Decanting Time | 30 minutes |
Buying and Storing Pinot Noir
When buying Pinot Noir, look for wines from famous regions and trusted producers. Burgundy, Oregon, and Sonoma are known for their top-notch Pinot Noirs. Choosing wines from these places means you’re more likely to get quality and care.
PH1315 focuses on small vineyards, showing the winemakers’ dedication and skill. They make boutique wines13.
Storing Pinot Noir right is key to keeping it fresh. Keep it in a cool, dark spot, between 12° and 14°C (55°F). This helps it age well without spoiling14.
If you plan to keep the wine for a long time, know its aging potential. Basic Pinot Noirs last 3 to 5 years, while premium ones can last 15+ years. This lets them develop flavors like cranberry and truffle13.
Creating the right storage space is important. Avoid kitchens where temperature changes can ruin the wine properly storing wine14.
FAQ
What is Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir is a classic red wine grape variety from France’s Burgundy region. It’s one of the oldest grape varieties, known for its history and luxury in wine-making. The black, thin-skinned grapes grow well in cooler climates, offering higher acidity and moderate tannins.
It uniquely shows the terroir of its vineyards, allowing for varied flavors based on the production locale.
Which regions are known for producing Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir thrives in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and California’s Sonoma Coast in the United States. Outside the U.S., New Zealand’s Central Otago and Marlborough, and Chile’s Patagonian region are notable. Each region’s unique climate contributes to the diverse flavors of Pinot Noir wines.
How should I taste Pinot Noir to fully appreciate it?
Serve Pinot Noir slightly cooler than room temperature, between 50°-60°F. Decanting the wine for about 30 minutes before serving can expose its full range of flavors. It typically features bright notes of cherries and raspberries.
Mature bottles offer complex earthy tones like mushroom and forest floor, alongside floral and tea nuances.
What foods pair well with Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir is versatile and pairs well with various dishes. It goes well with richer meats like duck and pork, where its acidity complements the fattiness. It also pairs beautifully with salmon, making it suitable for both meaty and delicate dishes.
What is the optimal temperature for serving Pinot Noir?
The optimal serving temperature for Pinot Noir is between 50°-60°F. This range helps preserve the delicate profile of the wine. Using appropriate glassware, like an aroma collector glass, can enhance the sensory experience by capturing nuanced aromas and flavors.
Decanting for about 30 minutes before serving is also recommended.
What are some tips for buying and storing Pinot Noir?
When purchasing Pinot Noir, look for wines from renowned regions and producers known for their quality. For storage, keep it in a cool, dark place with a temperature between 45°-65°F. Maintain humidity control to keep the cork intact.
These conditions are vital for preserving the wine’s quality, especially if it’s intended for long-term aging.