PINOT NOIR

Pinot noir is undoubtedly one of the most famous and prestigious black grape varieties. Being early ripening, it thrives in cool climate, that will enable to preserve its delicate aromas (it can otherwise become quite jammy in too hot areas). Here is a quick overview of this grape variety and where it is grown.

What's the profile of pinot noir ?

• light to medium colour

• medium to high acidity

• low to medium tannins

• medium alcohol

• light to medium body

• red fruits (raspberry, cherry, plum), black fruits (blackberry), spicy notes from oak maturation, developing notes of mushroom and leather with age

There are so much styles produced, from light and fruity style, to fuller body and more concentrated. The latter, often matured in oak barrels, has the structure and complexity to age for decades. Pinot noir is also one of the major grape variety used in traditional method sparkling wines, bringing body and red fruit flavours.

Wines usually reach premium to super-premium prices. First, because pinot noir can be difficult (and therefore costly) to grow, being a sensitive grape variety (to spring frosts and diseases). Second, because it is very popular among consumers.

Overview of where it is grown:

• France: Champagne, Burgundy, Alsace

• Italy: Lombardy, Aosta Valley, Trentino Alto Adige

• Germany: Baden, Ahr, Pfalz, Rheingau

• Spain: Catalonia

• USA: California, Oregon

• Chile: Aconcagua, Southern

• New Zealand: Wairarapa, Marlborough, Nelson, Canterbury, Central Otago

• Australia: Tasmania, Victoria

• South Africa: Cape South Coast

• UK

• Switzerland

• Slovenia

Any country I am missing? Most probably!

Last ♥

• Domaine Ballorin, Morey-Saint-Denis Trés Girad 2018 🇫🇷