Grape Notes: Pinot Noir
My first memory of pinot noir was over a creamy chicken dinner in an underground, hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Beaune, France more than six years ago. Sure, I’ve probably tasted pinot noir before this time, but I didn’t really know about it. Not like this. My husband, Michael, and I were spending our fourth year together as a married couple, and we decided to visit Burgundy — ride bikes through vineyards and taste some amazing wines. It was here, in this idyllic French wine region, that I got to know pinot noir as an earthy, smooth, comforting wine that has become my go-to Thanksgiving red-wine pairing. Since then, I’ve enjoyed this fickle grape in its many wine forms. The most common introduction to pinot noir is it’s classic presentation as a light-bodied red wine. Pinot noir can also be part of a sparkling trio, being one of three key varietals found in Champagne, or a rebellious white wine.
Dinner Party Trivia:
Pinot noir is a varietal has been used to create new grape varietals when crossed with another varietal. For example, the South African pinotage resulted from crossing pinot noir and cinsault (known as hermitage in South Africa). Similarly, the Bulgarian bouquet is a cross of pinot noir and mavrud (an indigenous Bulgarian varietal).
Color:
Pinot noir is a black grape variety that typically presents itself as a red wine with light to medium ruby hues depending on where it’s grown. As a white wine, it tends to have a light golden color.
Grown In:
It is the classic grape variety of Burgundy, France and well suited to the moderate climate there. Outside of Burgundy, it needs moderate or cool conditions to prevent getting too overripe and jammy. Other classic pinot noir wines can be found in California (i.e., Carneros and Sonoma); Sancerre (Loire Valley), France; Australia (i.e., Walker Bay and Marlborough); and Central Otago, New Zealand. Oregon is emerging as the next best spot to enjoy “Burgandian-style” pinot noir state-side.
Tastes Like:
Young pinot noir can be highly aromatic, displaying violet notes on the nose and deliciously fresh red fruit flavors of raspberries, strawberries or red cherries. Cherry flavor is most characteristic of pinot noir and can range from fresh-farm ripe cherry to bing cherry to the sour cherry you’d find in an old fashioned drink. Pinot noir, a thin-skinned grape, has soft light tannins which stay gentle as it ages. Mature pinot noir can exhibit vegetal, gamey and savory notes.
In a rare instance that you find a white pinot noir, grab it and consider yourself lucky. You’ll be tickled with delight from the fresh aromas of tropical fruit, white peach, poached pear and honey. This style of pinot noir is fairly rich and broad with bright, balancing acidity on the palate.
Try It:
Some of my favorites include (all available DCanter A Wine Boutique of course):
Deep and Earthy
- Burgundy, France:
Ecard Bourgogne Rouge 2013 - Oregon, United States
Brandborg Winery “Benchlands” Pinot Noir 2011
As a White Wine
- Oregon, United States
Left Coast Cellars White Pinot Noir 2014
Make-My-Monday Sparkling
- Burgenland, Austria:
Hillinger Secco Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé NV
