Pinot Noir

From LoveToKnow Wine

Pinot Noir, as described by Marq deVilliers

Pinot Noir

“They called it the heartbreak grape because it was so stubborn, so particular, so elusive, so damn difficult to get right. And also because when it was at its best it made the most sublime wine of all. The heartbreak grape? You cannot break a heart without having captured it first.”


Describing Pinot Noir

To describe Pinot Noir is to focus on texture and aroma. It is smooth and silky, with subtle, elegant, almost elusive aromas. The aroma and flavor profile can vary somewhat, but generally Pinot Noir falls into one of two basic styles: Old World and New World. Notice that these are styles (not regions): some New World wines mimic the classic Old World Style.

An Old World style of Pinot Noir is light-bodied and complex, earthy with a subtle fruit character. You might use these descriptions for the Old World style:

  • mushrooms
  • smoke
  • tea
  • perfume, incense, sandalwood
  • spice, like clove or cinnamon
  • hints of flowers, like violet
  • tart red fruits, like cranberry and sour cherry

The New World style of Pinot Noir is fuller-bodied and fruit-driven. This wine gives the illusion of being sweet on the nose, with juicy, ripe fruit aromas that jump out of the glass. To talk about New World styled Pinot, consider the following descriptions:

  • juicy red fruits, like strawberry, cherry, and raspberry
  • meat, particularly bacon
  • wet earth
  • floral
  • toast

Some of these descriptions are applicable to both styles. For example, you might have a Pinot Noir from Burgundy with toasty, bacon flavors, or one from Oregon with smoky, tea characteristics. Consider the entire flavor profile when tasting a Pinot Noir. Just remember that Old World styles are generally more subtle, while New World wines tend to be fruit-driven.

Around the World

Pinot Noir is anything but consistent or easy. It is an early-ripening grape which requires a long, cool growing season in order to fully develop. Grown in warm climates, it is jammy and simple. In cooler climates, though, it develops the restrained nuance and elegance that Pinot Noir is prized for.

This finicky grape grows all over the globe, from Chile to South Africa, but its most famous home is in Burgundy. The Côte d’Or in Burgundy is responsible for some of the most exquisite, ethereal wines in the world. Burgundy also breaks a lot of hearts, as the vintages, vineyards, producers, and bottles are sometimes enormously disappointing.

Oregon also produces excellent Pinot Noir. The Willamette Valley, Oregon’s premier Pinot region, has a climate comparable to Burgundy’s, with similar daily temperatures, hours of sunlight, and annual rainfall.

In California, the Russian River Valley in Sonoma and Santa Barbara County are great places to find a fuller-bodied style of Pinot Noir. The recent hit Sideways put Santa Barbara on the wine tourist’s map, creating relentless interest and publicity for the wine.

New Zealand is, like Oregon, relatively new to the Pinot scene. Some of the best wines come from the Martinborough region, although the grape is planted extensively throughout the country for both still and sparkling wines.

Other regions that cultivate Pinot Noir include Champagne, Alsace, Sancerre, Austria, Germany, Australia, Chile, and South Africa.

Drinking Pinot Noir with Food

Pinot Noir is a good choice when you’re not sure what to drink. If you’re dining out and your companions order ahi tuna, pork tenderloin, smoked salmon, filet of vintage beef, or squab, it is a pretty safe bet to order Pinot Noir. The wine’s versatility can complement many dishes. It is light-bodied enough to accommodate fish and also pairs well with lean meats. It can even accompany red meats, as long as the meat’s sauce is not too powerful or assertive. Aromatic and spicy foods also fare well with Pinot Noir. The wine’s acidity and flavor profile make it an excellent wine to drink with food.

Taste to Learn

To learn more about the styles of Pinot Noir, buy two wines: one from Burgundy, and one from California. To be kind to your wallet for this exercise, consider a basic appellation Bourgogne (French for Burgundy) to represent the Old World. For an example of California Pinot, choose something from Sonoma or Santa Barbara. Chile and Oregon also provide great examples of the New World style. Consult your local wine shop for reputable producers. Refer to the descriptions listed above, and compare the two styles side-by-side. Cheers!


 


Comment on Pinot Noir



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Wine Categories
LoveToKnow Tools
More Articles