Pinot Noir

Question 1

Typical climates for Pinot Noir

Answer 1

Cool - Moderate

Question 2

Very good or outstanding examples age with what flavours

Answer 2

Mushroom
Forest Floor

Question 3

Are the grape skins thick or thin?

Answer 3

Thin

Question 4

Typical acidity of Pinot Noir?

Answer 4

High acidity

Question 5

Typical tannin levels of Pinot Noir?

Answer 5

Low to medium

Question 6

Primary flavours of Pinot Noir?

Answer 6

Red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, red cherry)

Question 7

Secondary aromas/flavour of Pinot Noir?

Answer 7

Oak: Smoke and cloves

Question 8

Is Pinot Noir typically single varietal?

Answer 8

Yes, except when used for Sparkling

Question 9

Why is oak used sparingly for Pinot Noir?

Answer 9

It can overwhelm the flavours

Question 10

What type of oak is typically used for Pinot Noir and why?

Answer 10

Older or larger barrels as they impart less flavour

Question 11

What is the typical maturation options for Pinot Noir?

Answer 11

Typically for young drinking but can mature in the bottle for several years

Question 12

Where is the “home” of Pinot Noir?

Answer 12

Burgundy, France

Question 13

What aspects are the best vineyards facing in Burgundy for Pinot Noir?

Answer 13

South - South east towards the equator

Question 14

Why is south-south east facing to the equator best for Pinot Noir?

Answer 14

Extra sunlight and are capable of producing concentrated and complex wines

Question 15

What are the 2 regions of Cote d’Or that grow Pinot Noir?

Answer 15

Cote de Nuits (North)
Cote de Beaune (South)

Question 16

What areas of USA are best for Pinot Noir?

Answer 16

Carneros
Sonoma
Santa Barbera County

Question 17

Why is the Carneros USA climate good for Pinot Noir?

Answer 17

It’s cooled by morning fogs from San Pablo Bay

Question 18

Why is the Sonoma climate good for Pinot Noir?

Answer 18

It’s cooled by the Pacific Ocean breezes

Question 19

Why is Santa Barbara County good for Pinot Noir?

Answer 19

It’s cooled by sea breezes from the west and south

Question 20

Typical flavours of a Californian Pinot Noir are..

Answer 20

Primary: ripe red fruit
Secondary: Vanilla from oak
Tertiary (if aged): mushroom and forest floor

Question 21

Why is Oregon, USA a good place for Pinot Noir?

Answer 21

It’s northerly latitude
Exposure to Pacific Ocean

Question 22

Typical flavours of an Oregon Pinot Noir are…

Answer 22

Primary: fresh red fruit
Secondary: subtle oak (smoke, cloves)
Tertiary (if aged): Earth, Mushroom

Question 23

Where in Chile is best for Pinot Noir?

Answer 23

Casablanca Valley

Question 24

Climate of Casablanca Valley, Chile for Pinot Noir?

Answer 24

Cooled by sea breezes
Cooled by morning fogs

Question 25

Typical flavour of Casablanca Valley, Chile Pinot Noir?

Answer 25

Cooked strawberries

Question 26

Where is South Africa is great for Pinot Noir?

Answer 26

Walker Bay

Question 27

Why is the Walker Bay, South Africa climate great for Pinot Noir?

Answer 27

Strong southerly sea breezes moderate the climate

Question 28

Where in Australia is known for Pinot Noir?

Answer 28

Yarra Valley Mornington Peninsula

Question 29

Flavours of Australian Pinot Noir?

Answer 29

Primary: Riper, cooked red fruits (red plum and strawberry)

Question 30

Typical tannin level of Australian Pinot Noir?

Answer 30

Medium tannins

Question 31

Where is New Zealand is known for Pinot Noir?

Answer 31

Central Otago Marlborough Martinborough

Question 32

Why is the Central Otago climate great for Pinot Noir

Answer 32

Mountains around it protect the region from sea breezes and rain Vines experience intensely sunny days followed by cool nights

Question 33

Typical flavour of Central Otago Pinot Noir?

Answer 33

Primary: pronounced red fruits (strawberry, cherry)

Question 34

Typical body of Central Otago Pinot Noir?

Answer 34

Medium to Full body

Question 35

Typical tannins of Central Otago Pinot Noir?

Answer 35

Medium tannins