This is a thin skinned black grape which is difficult to grow. It thrives in cool climates, but is prone to diseases due to the thin skin and the tightly bunched together grapes. It spuds and ripens early and give low yields. Most of the time it is bottled as 100% Pinot Noir but may occur as a blend like in Champagne.
What to expect from the Colour
Pale to medium red and purple colour.
What to expect from the Smell
The aromas are often towards red fruit like cherries, strawberries, raspberries, redcurrant and vanilla due to the oak. Sometimes flowers and spicy as well. Older vintages can give
What to expect from the Taste
The Pinot Noir wines are light, feminine, seductive and elegant red wines. PN wines are not very tannic, but often have a medium to high acidity. This depends on the style of the producer.
Best Regions for Pinot Noir
The best wines come from Burgundy, France but also cool climate areas in California (Sonoma Coast, Russian River), New Zealand and Australia produce Pinots of excellent quality. Best years are the warm ones in Burgundy and the cool ones elsewhere. The new world Pinot may be "sweeter" and more alcoholic. In Burgundy, the quality level depend on the producer, the quality ("cru")level (village wine, premier or grand cru) and also the geographic location (appellation). It also occur in Champagne blended with Chardonnay/Pinot Meunier.
Food
Try with venison, veal, game and chicken or mushroom.
Storage, temperature and glasses
Pinot Noir should be served at around 16c and in big wide glasses to get the complete aroma picture. Can be drunk when young and normally at peak 4-5 years old, but the most expensive ones can be stored for up to 10 - 15 years.
Prices and Links to good Pinot:
Expect to pay at least 30-40€ for a good bottle, the top ones cost between 40-500€.
Life is too short to drink bad wine: Burgundy
Life is too short to drink bad wine: New Zealand
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