Pinot Noir has the distinction of being the most popular light-bodied red wine in the world. Pinot Noir is Burgundy’s only red wine grape and is believed to have derived from a rare grape grown in certain areas of France, Gouais Blanc. The wine has pleasant aromas of flower, fruit and spice and a smooth finish that makes it an ideal pairing with several meals such as pasta dishes and roasted meats including turkey, duck and chicken. Mild, soft cheeses like brie go great with Pinot Noir, as well as fruits like strawberries and blueberries. The grape got its name from the French word for ‘pine’ (pinot) because the grapes grow in clusters that resemble pine cones. Noir is French for “night” and refers to the dark color of the grapes. The grape is so popular that each year on August 18, wine enthusiasts celebrate Pinot Noir day.
The pinot noir plant is quite fascinating and has birthed several variations of replicas. To date, there are 16 known types of Pinot Noir grapes. The grapes from this varietal have become increasingly popular over the last four decades and recent studies indicate that Pinot Noir is the 10th most commonly planted grape in the world. Pinot Noir does grow in other countries besides France, but the grapes are at their best when grown in stony soil and cool climates, which makes Burgundy the ideal growing location. These delicious grapes are also featured in champagne, in which Pinot Noir is used on its own or blended with Chardonnay or Pinot Meunier grapes. Pinot Noir grapes are also grown in California, where the alcohol content of the wine is higher than Pinot Noir manufactured in France.
Pinot Noir is produced in several styles, depending on the terroir where the vines are planted and the intentions of the winemaker. The grapes are especially acidic when grown in France; the acidity also varies depending on whether the grape is whole cluster vinified, which means the stems remain on the grapes. The grape’s level of ripeness also dictates the style of Pinot Noir. The grape’s ripeness depends on when they are picked, the hours of sunlight they receive, overall temperatures in the growing environment, soil condition, rootstock and microclimates.