What Type of Wine is Pinot Noir

From LoveToKnow Wine

Many people just beginning to explore the wine world often wonder what type of wine is Pinot Noir.

A Brief History of Pinot Noir

To effectively answer the what type of wine is Pinot Noir question, you must first begin with a brief history lesson. Since Pinot Noir has a history that dates back to the first century A.D., we'll just touch on the highlights here.

The Pinot Noir grape finds its beginnings in Burgundy, France. There are a few legends surrounding this so-called "Heartbreak Grape" and all of them are very interesting. But in the end, they are still just legends, so feel free to decide which one you want to believe.

The Aedui

The Aedui are an ancient Gallic people whose native home was the eastern and southeastern areas of France, between modern day Saone and Loire. The Aedui had a relatively peaceful existence until they were invaded by German tribes and fled to what is now present day Burgundy, France. When the Aedui fled, they brought the Pinot Noir grapes with them and replanted them in Burgundy.

Italian Monks

Another legend has it that Italian monks, also invaded by what is described as a "barbaric" people, fled from their native Italy to France, also bringing Pinot Noir vine cuttings with them. The monks made and used Pinot Noir wine as part of their holy sacrament.

So What Type of Wine is Pinot Noir?

Basically, Pinot Noir is a bottle of wine made from Pinot Noir grapes. To get the true Pinot experience, you should try a bottle that is made from 100 percent Pinot grapes without any blending of others such as Cabernet or Merlot.

Unlike Champagne, true Pinot Noir doesn't have to come from Burgundy, France. Many countries around the world including, the United States, Australia, Germany and Italy make fine bottles of Pinot Noir. Some will tell you though, that the best Pinot's come from Burgundy.

The "Heartbreak Grape"

Pinot Noir gets its reputation as the "Heartbreak Grape" for good reason. In the wine world, everybody knows that growing vines of Pinot is historically difficult. Of all the grapes used to make wine, Pinot Noir grapes are the most susceptible to frost, mold and disease. This susceptibility to disease, mold and rot is due to the grape's very thin skin. Not only do the grapes themselves give vintners a hard time, but the vines do as well.

Pinot Noir vines are just as finicky and fickle as the grapes, which makes the grape even more difficult to grow and cultivate. The vines are often thin, very prone to mold and mildew as well as various strains of viruses.

Young Pinot Noir

If you buy a bottle of young Pinot Noir, expect it to be full of ripe berry flavors with forward fruit and little complexity. This is one of the reasons why Pinot is great for those just beginning to venture into red wines.

Aged Pinot Noir

While an aged Pinot still retains some of the forward fruit flavors of its youth, it becomes much more complex in flavor and aroma characteristics. The wine becomes much more complex, tasting of earthiness, maybe a hint of tobacco and a touch of chocolate.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the question of "What type of wine is Pinot Noir" has been answered with the brief history lesson. As far as Pinot Noir's reputation of being the "Heartbreak Grape", well, don't take our word for it. Here are what a few wine connossieurs have to say about Pinot:

  • Pinot Noir is and elegant, yet sensuous dinner companion. - Mike Lynch
  • Pinot Noir is the sulky prima donna of grapedom. – Daniel Johnns
  • Pinot Noir produces one of the most complex, hedonistic and remarkably thrilling wine in the world. – Robert Parker

Now that you know a little bit more about the wine, why not go out and try a glass?

Retrieved from "http://wine.lovetoknow.com/wiki/What_Type_of_Wine_is_Pinot_Noir"

 


Comment on What Type of Wine is Pinot Noir



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

Wine Categories
LoveToKnow Tools
More Articles