Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape known for creating elegant wines with flavors of red fruit and some earthiness. It is a testament to the sheer quality of the grape that so many winemakers try to produce it, as it is a notoriously difficult grape to grow, extremely prone to late spring frosts, disease, and becoming overripe. But when Pinot Noir is good, it’s really, really good – and wellPinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape known for creating elegant wines with flavors of red fruit and some earthiness. It is a testament to the sheer quality of the grape that so many winemakers try to produce it, as it is a notoriously difficult grape to grow, extremely prone to late spring frosts, disease, and becoming overripe. But when Pinot Noir is good, it’s really, really good – and well worth the struggle it takes to create an amazing bottle.
The Pinot Noir grape creates a more delicate, nuanced style of wine than other, more full-bodied reds. Pinot Noir wine tends to be more ruby in color, and can show considerably less color intensity in the glass. This is no wine to be underestimated, however. What it lacks in sheer power, good Pinot Noir more than makes up for in complexity and balance. In its French homeland, the best Pinot Noir sees a considerable amount of oak treatment and can be aged for decades. Less structured, more fruit-forward styles are often produced in California, Australia, and other New World locations. They can be drunk considerably younger and are often perceived as more approachable. ...more ...less
Pinot Noir also plays an important role in sparkling wine, especially Champagne and méthod champenoise sparklers. It can be used to create sparkling rosé wines, but if the winemaker employs quick pressing and lack of skin contact it can also produce the white blanc de noirs style sparkling wine – which literally translates to white wine made from black grapes. It is prized in this context for its body andPinot Noir also plays an important role in sparkling wine, especially Champagne and méthod champenoise sparklers. It can be used to create sparkling rosé wines, but if the winemaker employs quick pressing and lack of skin contact it can also produce the white blanc de noirs style sparkling wine – which literally translates to white wine made from black grapes. It is prized in this context for its body and longevity.
Pinot Noir has seen a marked increase in popularity in the last fifteen years, which at least in part can be attributed to the “Sideways phenomenon.” The 2004 film, shot in and around the vineyards of California’s Santa Barbara County sparked great consumer interest in Pinot Noir, as the protagonist of the film often spoke of how much he liked the grape. As a result of the demand for Pinot Noir, many winemakers began producing the wine and its popularity continues to be ascendant. ...more ...less
