Pinot Noir: differences with other grape varieties

Pinot Noir is a very particular type of grape, as it has very marked characteristics that differentiate it from others, such as, for example, its sensitivity to the climate where it is grown.

It requires very low temperatures, low humidity and wind to achieve the ideal flavour and texture for wine production.

Its growth tends to be slow compared to other types of grapes, in addition to the delicacy of its thin skin when it comes to fungal diseases, when placed in wooden barrels.

This and a host of other reasons make it a common sight in French Burgundy, and some even claim that it is native to Burgundy. However, like many other grape varieties, the origin is unknown.

Some history of Pinot Noir

Many Roman authors from the 1st century have written about this type of grape, asserting the presence of a Pinot Burgundy vine during the Roman conquest.

Pinot fin, Franc Pinot and Noirien are some of the names found in various documents from Burgundy dating from the 14th century, which suggest that there really is a link between the wine-growing region and this type of grape.

Indeed, Pinot Noir is one of the most prestigious grape varieties in Burgundy, associated with famous vineyards, which even produced one of the most expensive wines in the world, such as the Romanée-Conti, product of the 1945 vintage.

However, it is a grape variety that has shown certain changes over time, going from the original red tones to a grey grape type and then evolving into a white grape. That is why nowadays we can appreciate wines such as Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc or Pinot Meunier.

Is this type of wine only produced in Burgundy?

The climatic conditions determine the successful cultivation of this type of grapes and for this reason, it has been pointed out that its origin is Burgundy, but it is not only produced in this region, but you can also find these vines in regions such as Jura, Alsace and Loire Valley.

In the United States this type of grape is also cultivated, and it is even the country that occupies the second place worldwide in the production of Pinot Noir, specifically in the states of Oregon and Washington.

There are also important productions in Italy, New Zealand, Germany and Chile.

Characteristics of Pinot Noir

As we have mentioned, this type of grape has particular characteristics that position it as a grape that produces the best wines, and that is why it is important to highlight the elements that best define it:

It adapts to cold climates. This is one of the most significant characteristics of this grape variety, as it determines its growth. It is for this reason that many of the Pinot Noir vineyards are located near large bodies of water and low temperatures.
The size of the clusters is small to medium. This translates into a greater quantity of fruit to obtain wines, which is why they are not only exclusive, but also expensive.
It has bluish-black skins and fine skins. The delicacy of its skin and this unique colour determines the tone of the wine and the resulting texture after the ageing period.
Its flesh is not pigmented. Rather, it has a ruby red appearance, which, when compared to other reds, is faint and translucent. This means that it has a different colouring, which tends to confuse consumers who are looking for strong tones associated with a good wine.
Its acidity is medium-high. This element positions it as one of the vines with which wines suitable for ageing are produced, and which also evolve favourably over the years, not only in the barrel during the ageing phase, but also in the bottle.
It has an herbaceous flavour. The nuances that this grape leaves on the palate make it a unique variety, as it adds to the wine a characteristic that sets it apart from others.
It is an early ripening grape. So the time investment is much less than with other grape varieties. Therefore, its processing will be faster and so will the wine production.

Characteristics of the wines produced with Pinot Noir

The wines produced from the processing of Pinot Noir usually have characteristics that place them in extremes, that is to say, you love them or they are simply not to your taste. However, we want to list the characteristics of why it is so exclusive.

Unstable strain. This is due to the variations in its quality, which depends not only on the growing and harvesting techniques, but also on the processing method to obtain the wines. This is the reason why many consumers tend to be disappointed with these wines, as their taste is inconsistent.
Delicate skins. Another element that defines this type of wine is the price, and it is the delicacy of its grape variety that positions them as much more exclusive than other wines, a factor that also influences the marketing of these wines.
Soft wines. The Pinot Noir grape variety is a type of grape that produces one of the smoothest red wines on the market, and even its particular colour is capable of providing the tonality of red wines as well as rosé, white and sparkling wines. In fact, many of these vines are used for the production of various types of Champagne, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.
Fermentation under control. In order to obtain high quality wines with this grape variety, it is necessary to obtain low yields in its production and to ensure that the fermentation process is smooth, thus avoiding the loss of aromas.
The right ageing time. Furthermore, the ageing period must be in oak barrels for just the right amount of time, otherwise the flavour will be altered.
Fruity and floral tones. With regard to the aromas of wines made with Pinot Noir grapes, we must highlight the fruity tones when it is young, generating also nuances of red fruits such as cherries, raspberries or redcurrants. It also has floral and spicy tones, mushrooms, truffles, cedar and, in some vintages, tobacco.
Particular texture. On the palate, the particular silky texture stands out with a prolonged freshness, which also denotes the presence of subtle tannins, providing a good structure and a sensation of elegance.

How are the processing techniques for this type of grape?

Although Pinot Noir is a grape grown in many wine-producing countries, it is a real challenge not only in its cultivation, but also in its vinification, as it is very sensitive to fungal diseases transmitted by the wood of the barrels where it ages, to extreme climates and to sunburn on its thin skin.

In addition, on many occasions, the fruit does not ripen correctly if the irrigation conditions are poorly controlled, resulting in musts with high levels of acidity, faint colour and low sugar levels to promote fermentation.

In conclusion, if you want to produce the best wine from Pinot Noir processing, you must have extensive experience and solid knowledge of the vineyards and winemaking techniques, as there are many factors that determine quality.

In terms of food pairing, we can say that its wines are ideal for tasting with fish, white meats, cured meats and fresh cheeses.