The king of Burgundy

A Guide to Pinot Noir

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Pinot Noir is a distinguished and versatile wine grape varietal that commands attention on every sip. With its complex history and ability to thrive in different regions worldwide, Pinot Noir has earned a spot in the hearts of wine enthusiasts everywhere. International Pinot Noir Day, celebrated annually on the second Thursday of November, offers a perfect occasion to raise a glass and explore the captivating allure of this remarkable and iconic grape. So where is Pinot Noir from, what is its history, what does it bring to the table, and what steps can you take to enjoy it at its best?

The History of Pinot Noir - from Ancient Times to Present Day

As one of the oldest cultivated grapes in the world, Pinot Noir is truly an ancient variety. Its exact birthplace remains a topic of debate among historians, but it is widely believed to have emerged in the Burgundy region of France. Its French origins are displayed by its name, "pinot," meaning pine cone, and "noir," meaning black. This choice of name is a testament to the grape's tight, pine cone-shaped clusters and dark-hued skin.

The details over who introduced Pinot Noir to the Burgundy region are debated (one theory is that the Romans introduced the grape to the area, another is that Pinot Noir was brought over before the Roman invasion - perhaps by the Aedui people), but it is thought to have been cultivated there since at least the 1st century AD during the time of Roman rule when vineyards began being implemented more expansively in French winemaking regions.

Over time, as Pinot Noir's reputation grew, so did its presence in vineyards across Europe, spreading to the likes of Switzerland, Germany, and Italy as the centuries passed. Today, the allure of Pinot Noir is not limited to its presence in traditional wine regions. In recent decades, winemakers in countries like Chile, Australia, and South Africa have successfully embraced the challenge of cultivating this delicate grape, producing exceptional wines comparable to Pinot Noirs made in the Old World.

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Tasting the Elegance of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir exhibits an elegance and subtlety that makes it as suitable for people new to drinking red wine as seasoned wine enthusiasts. Its low to medium body, softer tannins, and balanced acidity create a harmonious, silky texture that many may find easy to drink compared to fuller-bodied red wines with harsher tannins. Notable emerging aromas and flavors include red fruit notes, such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, plus earthy undertones and hints of spice.

Of course, not all Pinot Noir tastes and smells exactly the same. Several factors can influence the outcome of Pinot Noir's characteristics, including:

Age of the wine. Younger Pinot Noir which has yet to develop many layers of quality boasts vibrant and fresh fruit flavors. As the wine matures, it becomes a more complex and nuanced drink, with flavors deepening into dark fruits, truffles, and forest floor characteristics.

Method of barrel aging. The way of aging any wine after fermentation plays a notable role in the final product, and Pinot Noir is no different. Oak-aged Pinot Noir - a common practice in Burgundy - takes on a subtle oak influence that can impart flavors of vanilla and baking spice. Neutral aging vessels such as steel tanks allow the wine to emphasize the purity of the fruit and the expression of the vineyard's characteristics. Winemakers may also combine oak and non-oak aging to strike a balance of adding some extra complexity while maintaining the freshness of the fruit.

Warm Climate vs Cool Climate. Warm climate Pinot Noir often possesses more body, with the potential for having a richer mouthfeel. This enhanced richness also leads to riper fruit flavors that can even border on being jammy. Cool climate Pinot Noir, on the other hand, typically has higher acidity and freshness, greater tartness in its fruit flavors, and a lighter body and more delicate structure overall.

Terroir. Like other wines, Pinot Noir expresses the unique features of its growing region, a phenomenon referred to as "terroir." The combination of soil, climate, and vineyard practices shapes the final taste of the wine. For example, Burgundian Pinot Noirs, known for their subtlety and complexity, reflect the region's chalky soils and temperate climate.

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Pairing Pinot Noir with Food

If there's one thing that beats sitting down with a glass of your favorite Pinot Noir, it's sipping a glass of your favorite Pinot Noir alongside food that complements its qualities. So it should be music to your ears to hear that Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a diverse range of culinary delights. 

  • Meat and fish lovers are in luck when it comes to this wine. As a lighter-bodied red wine, Pinot Noir isn't limited to only pairing with red meats, so feel free to experiment with various grilled or roasted meats and fish. A couple of options you may want to try out include succulent roasted duck or grilled salmon.
  • Pinot Noir's earthy nuances harmonize beautifully with mushroom-based dishes, making it a fantastic choice for vegetarian and vegan options. Mushroom and truffle pasta or grilled portabello mushroom are two dishes that are surefire winners for pairing alongside your Pinot Noir.
  • If you're planning and wine and cheese evening, consider sipping your Pinot Noir alongside soft or semi-soft cheeses - especially if you're enjoying an oak-aged Pinot Noir that displays more butter-led flavors that work in tandem with these cheeses. Some cheeses that fit the bill here include Goat Cheese, Camembert, Brie, and Morbier.

From its mysterious, ancient origins to its widespread international acclaim, Pinot Noir has enjoyed quite the journey and now has a well-deserved place in the hearts of millions. As you raise your glass, take a moment to savor the delicate aromas and complex flavors that Pinot Noir brings to wine enthusiasts worldwide. Celebrate with loved ones and share your appreciation for this grape, which has left an indelible mark on the world of wine, and continue to explore the vast and diverse world of this marvelous grape. Cheers to Pinot Noir!

Spiegelau Glasses We Recommend

For Pinot Noir