Wine enthusiasts are often intrigued not only with the enjoyment of a well-made wine but are interested in knowing more about the makeup of a wine. To help people along the way, we have started writing short notes about wine grape varieties. This week the focus is on the ancient grape Pinot Noir.

Grape Variety: Pinot Noir

Species: Vitis vinifera

Pinot Noir Wine Styles: still wine, sparkling wine (especially champagne)

History:  France is believed to be the origin of the Pinot Noir grape variety. The name Pinot Noir may have been from the French language. ( Pinot: pine and Noir: black)

Pinot Noir is an ancient grape variety that some claim dates back to the Ancient Romans in the 1st century. However, emphasis is placed on the mention of Pinot Noir in the 13th century.

The Pinot Noir grape is also related to Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. However; the parentage of Pinot Noir is unknown.

Where it Grows: Pinot Noir grapes enjoy cooler temperatures; this is one reason it grows well in Oregon, Burgundy and cooler parts of California, etc. Other areas we have visited that are important growers of Pinot Noir include Canada and New Zealand. The Pinot Noir grape is known to be difficult to grow partly due to the thin skin.

Synonyms we have come across: Pinot Nero (Italy) and Pino Crani (Croatia)
When traveling wine enthusiasts may come across many other synonyms for Pinot Noir.

Food to Pair: Consider pairing a glass of Pinot Noir with pork, beef/veal, duck, salmon and mushrooms.

Interesting Tidbits:

• Riedel, the producer of quality wine stemware has manufactured a special wine glass just for Oregon Pinot Noir. The top of the stemware is tulip shaped. Riedel also has produced a Burgundian Pinot Noir glass.
• Did you know that August 18 was designated as Pinot Noir Day?

Enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir soon!

Kathy