Pinot Noir Flashcards
Typical climates for Pinot Noir
Cool - Moderate
Very good or outstanding examples age with what flavours
Mushroom
Forest Floor
Are the grape skins thick or thin?
Thin
Typical acidity of Pinot Noir?
High acidity
Typical tannin levels of Pinot Noir?
Low to medium
Primary flavours of Pinot Noir?
Red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, red cherry)
Secondary aromas/flavour of Pinot Noir?
Oak: Smoke and cloves
Is Pinot Noir typically single varietal?
Yes, except when used for Sparkling
Why is oak used sparingly for Pinot Noir?
It can overwhelm the flavours
What type of oak is typically used for Pinot Noir and why?
Older or larger barrels as they impart less flavour
What is the typical maturation options for Pinot Noir?
Typically for young drinking but can mature in the bottle for several years
Where is the “home” of Pinot Noir?
Burgundy, France
What aspects are the best vineyards facing in Burgundy for Pinot Noir?
South - South east towards the equator
Why is south-south east facing to the equator best for Pinot Noir?
Extra sunlight and are capable of producing concentrated and complex wines
What are the 2 regions of Cote d’Or that grow Pinot Noir?
Cote de Nuits (North)
Cote de Beaune (South)
What areas of USA are best for Pinot Noir?
Carneros
Sonoma
Santa Barbera County
Why is the Carneros USA climate good for Pinot Noir?
It’s cooled by morning fogs from San Pablo Bay
Why is the Sonoma climate good for Pinot Noir?
It’s cooled by the Pacific Ocean breezes
Why is Santa Barbara County good for Pinot Noir?
It’s cooled by sea breezes from the west and south
Typical flavours of a Californian Pinot Noir are..
Primary: ripe red fruit
Secondary: Vanilla from oak
Tertiary (if aged): mushroom and forest floor
Why is Oregon, USA a good place for Pinot Noir?
It’s northerly latitude
Exposure to Pacific Ocean
Typical flavours of an Oregon Pinot Noir are…
Primary: fresh red fruit
Secondary: subtle oak (smoke, cloves)
Tertiary (if aged): Earth, Mushroom
Where in Chile is best for Pinot Noir?
Casablanca Valley
Climate of Casablanca Valley, Chile for Pinot Noir?
Cooled by sea breezes
Cooled by morning fogs
Typical flavour of Casablanca Valley, Chile Pinot Noir?
Cooked strawberries
Where is South Africa is great for Pinot Noir?
Walker Bay
Why is the Walker Bay, South Africa climate great for Pinot Noir?
Strong southerly sea breezes moderate the climate
Where in Australia is known for Pinot Noir?
Yarra Valley
Mornington Peninsula
Flavours of Australian Pinot Noir?
Primary: Riper, cooked red fruits (red plum and strawberry)
Typical tannin level of Australian Pinot Noir?
Medium tannins
Where is New Zealand is known for Pinot Noir?
Central Otago
Marlborough
Martinborough
Why is the Central Otago climate great for Pinot Noir
Mountains around it protect the region from sea breezes and rain
Vines experience intensely sunny days followed by cool nights
Typical flavour of Central Otago Pinot Noir?
Primary: pronounced red fruits (strawberry, cherry)
Typical body of Central Otago Pinot Noir?
Medium to Full body
Typical tannins of Central Otago Pinot Noir?
Medium tannins
