ALL ABOUT PINOT NOIR

Pinot Noir is one of the oldest vine grape varieties known. It was named by the noble Pinot family after the pinecone shape of the grape bunches. Pinot has been cultivated in Burgundy since the 1st century AD. One legend has it arriving in Burgundy via the Aedui from their invasions of Lombardy and Italy. Another legend has it arriving via the Romans while other tales refer to the Romans finding Pinot already established in the region. With the Barbarian invaders driving the Romans from the region, the Catholic church inadvertently became custodian of the fine Pinots. The monks used Pinot Noir in their sacraments and hence gained approval for the wine. They improved the varietal through careful vineyard practices and by the 6th century, most of Burgundy was divided into church owned vineyards. The first documented mention of Pinot Noir in Burgundy doesn't occur till 1345. French monks brought the grape to the Rheingau region where it's been cultivated since 1470. Church owned vineyards were seized and distributed to families in Burgundy during the French revolution around 1789 resulting in an independently owned and run vineyard model that still survives today.

Burgundy is home to Pinot Noir. Within the Burgundy region, a 30-mile long by 2-mile wide stretch of land known as the Côte d'Or (Slope of Gold) consistently produces some of Europe's finest Pinots. This strip has ideal chalky, well-drained soil, good sunlight exposure with above average temperatures and gentle slopes. All characteristics you'll also find in top Pinot Noir growing regions. Wonderful Pinot Noirs come from all over the world. It's grown in many countries and is known by different names in different countries. Some locations and names include:Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria (called Blauburgunder or Spätburgunder), Brazil, Canada, Czechoslovakia, England, France, Germany (Spätburgunder), Greece, Hungary, Italy (Pinot Nero or Blauburgunder), Mexico, New Zealand, Switzerland (Clevner, labeled "Dole" when blended with Gamay Noir), the United States, and Yugoslavia (Burgundac). Pinot is a difficult grape to work with. It's hard to get a consistent, great Pinot and the problem starts with the plant. Pinot Noir is genetically unstable. A parent plant can produce a plant with wildly different berry size and shape and even flavour. Cabernet Sauvignon has 12 genetically individual clones but Pinot Noir has up to 1,000 possible clones.

Pinot Noir seems to pick up every known vine disease, mold, fungus and/or pest. It's an early ripening variety so spring frosts are devastating. When picked too late the thinskinned berries will shrivel up and lose all flavour. Extracting all the colour is another challenge. When fully ripe, the Pinot Noir berry is a very light purple colour and requires careful handling to make the most of the light colour.

Pinot Noir goes through a range of changes as it matures. A young wine will show simple fruity characteristics including: cherry, plum, raspberry and strawberry. The complex flavours emerge as it ages revealing chocolate, earthiness, smoke and truffles. Only Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier grapes are permitted in sparkling wines from the Champagne region. Around the world other varieties are used to produce sparkling wines but Pinot Noir is a key variety anywhere in the world.

Pinot Noir history re-posted from www.uncork.com.au.