Grown around the world, Pinot noir is one of the most popular grape varieties for wine lovers, particularly for its ability to produce wine red wines of rare delicacy. If its simple name evokes Bourgogne as well as renowned appellations such as Chambolle-Musigny, Gevrey-Chambertin or even Nuits-Saint-Georges, this one is no less present on the five continents. Thus, it is today the 6th most planted grape variety in France and the 9th in the world.
So what are its origins? In which regions of France and of the world is it present? What are its taste characteristics? What to eat with a glass of Pinot Noir? If you want the answers to all these questions, this article is for you.follow the guide!
The Origins and Growing Places of Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a very old grape variety. Only a few generations separate it from the wild vines present in the forests, even before domestication by man. Moreover, due to its age, it is considered the father (or grandfather) of a multitude of other grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Gamay, Syrah again Aligoté.
Most certainly originally from Burgundy, we find the first written mentions of Pinot noir as early as 1375 where it was then also called "Plant Fin". Nevertheless, it is known that the Romans found plantations of it in Gaul as soon as they arrived and therefore cultivated it for many centuries before that date.
Most certainly originally from Burgundy, we find the first written mentions of Pinot noir as early as 1375 where it was then also called "Plant Fin
From the Middle Ages, it was monks who contributed to its development, particularly in the Burgundy and Champagne vineyards. Nevertheless, it was from the year 1395 that Pinot Noir really began to radiate almost exclusively in Burgundy. Indeed, it was precisely on this date that the Duke of Burgundy Philip II the Bold forbade the cultivation of "vile and disloyal Gamay" on his lands in favor of Pinot noir, renowned for its greater finesse and delicacy.
Since then, Pinot Noir has spread to many other French regions. Thus, it isthe most planted grape variety in Champagne (38% of the vineyard), where it makes it possible to produce delicious sparkling wines with character in the company of Pinot meunier and Chardonnay.
It is also found in the Vallée de la Loire where it is the only red grape variety authorized in renowned appellations such asSancerre, Reuilly or Menetou-Salon. Many other wine-growing areas also grow it, such as Jura, Alsace or Savoy. Finally, although much rarer, it is also found in the vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon or South-West.
It is also found in the Vallée de la Loire where it is the only red grape variety authorized in renowned appellations such as
Of course, his influence is not limited to France! Thus, it is found in Germany, Austria, Italy, the United States, South Africa and even New Zealand! In short, a real international success story!
Aromatic profile and aging potential of Pinot noir
Pinot Noir is a grape variety that particularly likes cool and temperate climates. Therefore, it will generally express more delicacy and aromatic nobility if it comes from regions such as Burgundy, Jura or Loire. It will then offer delicate aromasfruity and floral such as cherry, raspberry, strawberry or violet.
On the other hand, if the Pinot Noir you drink comes from warmer, southern climates, as is often the case when it is not French, then its aroma will be warmer, more powerful and could evokeblackberry or blackcurrant. Moreover, while Pinot Noir usually has very fine and delicate tannins, these may seem more present in this type of climate.
On the other hand, if the Pinot Noir you drink comes from warmer, southern climates, as is often the case when it is not French, then its aroma will be warmer, more powerful and could evokeblackberry or blackcurrant. Moreover, while Pinot Noir usually has very fine and delicate tannins, these may seem more present in this type of climate.
Of course, between these two opposites there are many possible shades of flavor profiles. Nevertheless, you now know the main markers of this delicious grape variety in order to find your way around during a tasting.
Finally, concerning the aging capacity of Pinot noir, this will vary greatly according to its terroir, the quality of the vines or the type of breeding that could know the wine. Thus, a Pinot Noir aged in stainless steel vats and offering light and fruity notes will be ideal to drink in the first 3 to 5 years. On the other hand, a wine aged in oak barrels, from old vines from a quality terroir can be kept for 20 years or more! It will therefore really depend on each wine and that is why it is important to seek advice in order to be sure to make the right choice.
What to eat with Pinot noir?
The art of pairing food and wine reaches its peak with Pinot Noir. Its versatility as well as its subtle structure indeed make it an ideal partner for a variety of dishes, whether delicate or more robust.
Thus, with a Pinot noir with a light profile, pairings with charcuterie , fresh cheeses or even white meats (chicken, pork etc.) will work just fine.
On the other hand, a more full-bodied Pinot noir will ideally pair with dishes and ingredients such as red meat (duck breast, rib of beef, lamb chops etc.) or cured cheeses with more character.
On the other hand, a more full-bodied Pinot noir will ideally pair with dishes and ingredients such as red meat (duck breast, rib of beef, lamb chops etc.) or cured cheeses with more character.
Furthermore, since Pinot noir is a red wine with a delicate profile and low tannins, serving at a temperature between 14-16°C is ideal in order to reveal all of its aromatic complexity while retaining its characteristic freshness.
Now you know all the key points to appreciate it at its peak!
What are the best Pinot Noir?
Although it is impossible to give an exhaustive list of the best Pinot Noir (this being above all a matter of personal taste), La Cave Éclairée nevertheless offers you a selection of its finest wines and champagnes made from this grape variety. There's something for all tastes and budgets so don't hesitate and be curious.we are sure that you will find what you are looking for in this list!
- Alsace - Domaine Barmès-Buecher - Pinot noir reserve
- Burgundy - Domaine du Cellier aux Moines - Givry - The small Clos du Cellier
- Burgundy - Domaine Philippe Naddef - Marsannay Les Genelières
- Burgundy - Domaine Decelle & Fils - Savigny-Lès-Beaune red
- Burgundy - Domaine Decelle & Fils - Beaune 1er Cru - King's Closure
- Loire - Domaine Bernard Fleuriet & Son - Menetou-Salon rouge
- Loire - Domaine Bernard Fleuriet & Fils - Sancerre - Anthocyanin
- South-West - Château Bouscassé - Wine of France - Pinot noir
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Champagne - Domaine La Borderie - Rosé Douce Folie Extra-Brut
- Champagne - Domaine La Borderie - Three Lands Brut
Now that Pinot Noir has no more secrets for you, all you have to do is combine practice with theory.
Happy tasting and see you soon at La Cave Éclairée!
