Written on 08/11/2021
An emblematic grape variety
Pinot Noir is an emblematic grape variety of the Burgundy region. It is the source of some of the region's finest wines, which is why it is so famous and so interesting. Today, we're going to tell you a little more about this world-famous grape variety.
It's impossible to pinpoint the exact year in which Pinot Noir first appeared, but the first bottles found with Pinot Noir written on them date back to 1375, making it one of the oldest grape varieties. It gave rise to several other grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Gamay and Aligoté.
Its bunches are instantly recognizable. They are small and compact. The name Pinot Noir was inspired by their pinecone-like shape. The color of the grapes is very deep, a dark violet that sometimes verges on black, with a few bluish highlights.
A widespread and widely recognized grape variety, Pinot Noir is nevertheless quite difficult to grow. Pinot Noir bunches are highly susceptible to disease and need a specific climate to express themselves freely. This grape loves the limestone soils of the Burgundy region, but also its climate, which is why it is the majority variety in this emblematic wine region.
Despite the complexity of its cultivation, Pinot Noir offers a beautiful palette of aromas. This grape variety can take many forms, depending on the terroir in which it is grown and how it is made. It can give rise to a full-bodied, dense wine, or an elegant, delicate one. But despite all this, there are many common characteristics, such as the Pinot Noir color.
The color is a bright, brilliant ruby. It can also turn red with violet highlights. As it ages,it becomes paler and paler.
On the nose, Pinot Noir reveals notes of fresh red fruits such as blackcurrant and cherry, as well as coffee and smoke. There are also hints of spices such as pepper and cinnamon. With age, the wine takes on more character, with hints of candied fruit and undergrowth.
On the palate, Pinot Noir is a fairly round wine with well-presented tannins that will become softer with age.
