Chapter 6 Pinot Noir

Question 1

What are the main characteristics of Pinot Noir?

Answer 1

Pinot Noir is a black grape variety with a thin skin.
Cool to moderate climate to produce good quality grapes.
Usually pale to medium in colour.
On the palate it is high in acidity with low to medium tannins.
Typically red fruit flavours (strawberry, raspberry, red cherry).

Can be matured in oak.

Mostly intended to be consumed young, some outstanding examples can develop tertiary flavours in the bottle and can take several years to show their full potential.

France:
Burgundy is home to Pinot Noir.

In Burgundy the Cote D’Or is the most celebrated area split into: Cotes de Nuits and Cotes de Beaune.

Bourgogne AOC….typically light to medium bodied wines, low tannins, high acidity and fresh red fruit flavours. Meant to be drank young as they lack the flavour intensity to age.

USA:
California and Oregon. Areas moderate climates…close to sea and or mountains

Chile:
Casablanca Valley. Cooled by sea breezes and morning fogs.

South Africa:
Walker Bay……strong southerly sea breezes.

Australia:
Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula……both areas just cool enough for PN.

New Zealand:
Martinborough and Marlborough and Central Otago.