Pinot Noir wines, one of the great red wines of France’s Burgundy region, is produced by one of the world’s most challenging grape varieties - both to grow and vinify. For every great pinot
noir wine, there are a dozen poor or mediocre versions, and this is true wherever pinot noir
wine is made the world over.
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The grapes prefer a cool climate, with its fine, delicate aroma and flavor disappearing when grown in warmer climes. It is an ancient variety notorious for having dozens of inferior mutations (clones), which likely account for much of the insipid wine produced in its name around the world.
The wine can be high in alcohol, light in color and low in tannin, though oak aging can increase the tannin levels. One of the most exciting developments in the world of wine is the recent advances Oregon and California winemakers have made in producing first rate Pinot
Noir wines, respectable rivals to the legendary reds of French Burgundy. Most other Pinot
Noir wines produced around the world are pale imitations of Burgundy, usually lacking depth, elegance, richness and
texture.
Pinot Noir Wine Tip:
This wine is a lighter colored and flavored red wine, well-suited to pair with poultry, ham, lamb and pork. It’s flavors are reminiscent of sweet red berries, plums, tomatoes, cherries and at times a notable earthy or wood-like flavor, depending on specific growing conditions. |
