Hello and welcome to this 11th episode of the Club on Pinot Noir, the podcast that helps you learn about wine simply. Today we’re going to talk about Pinot Noir: a very famous grape variety that still has a few surprises in store for you. Before we start, there are 10 episodes before this one, so don’t hesitate to hit pause and listen to them if this is the first time you’re joining the club. Let’s move on to this famous red French grape variety, particularly present in Burgundy.
History of Pinot Noir
I suggest we start with the history of Pinot Noir. It’s a very old grape variety. It appears in the north-east of France and finds its roots, inevitably, in Burgundy. We can’t prove that this grape variety has been here since Roman times, but what is certain is that it’s been here a long time. And as proof, Pinot Noir is the parent of a host of grape varieties such as Gamay and Chardonnay. In that sense, it’s necessarily a very old grape variety. During the Middle Ages, this grape variety was inevitably the preserve of the Cluniac monasteries, which grew it on a massive scale in Burgundy and Champagne. The era of the Dukes of Burgundy also contributed greatly to the development of this grape variety. Indeed, they encouraged the development of quality winegrowing. In that sense, Philip II the Bold banned, in 1395, the growing of the, and I quote, “vile and disloyal Gamay” on all his lands. The idea was to focus solely on Pinot Noir.
Where Pinot Noir is planted
As you’ll have understood, we find traces of Pinot Noir going back a very long way in Burgundy. It’s also present in Alsace and Champagne. However, this grape variety is present all over the world. We find it in Germany and Switzerland for example, but also in the United States. It’s the most planted grape variety in Oregon. You’ll also find Pinot Noir in New Zealand, Canada and Australia. It was very present in South Africa but has been replaced by Pinotage, which comes from a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. That said, it goes without saying that Burgundy is the undisputed region of Pinot Noir, where it loves limestone. It perfectly conveys the expression of the terroir.
Recognising Pinot Noir
Now that you know almost everything about this grape variety, you should be able to recognise it. First, Pinot Noir takes its name from the pine cone. Indeed, the bunches of this grape variety have the tight shape of a pine cone. Its leaves are light green. Its berries are bluish-black or very dark purple. During a tasting, the expression of this grape variety varies greatly depending on where it’s grown and on its terroir. Generally speaking, wines made from this grape variety have a ruby-red colour that can become darker with aging. On the nose, the grape variety offers an absolutely incredible aromatic palette. You’ll be able to smell red fruit, spices, or coffee and smoke. If you taste a slightly older Pinot Noir, you’ll discover slightly more candied aromas, notes of undergrowth, even some animal scents. Finally, on the palate, Pinot Noir is always very delicate and offers tannins that are certainly present but in no way overwhelming. They’re always very delicate and silky. The acidity of Pinot Noir can also be very interesting and helps keep a certain freshness that’s especially pleasant. Now that I’ve whetted your appetite, you can head to your wine merchant to find a bottle of this famous grape variety and listen to this episode again while tasting it!
What food and wine pairings?
Before I leave you, I’d like to answer a question that’s often asked. What to serve with a Pinot Noir? The balance and liveliness of Pinot Noir make it especially interesting for putting together food and wine pairings. So you can easily pair it with a pot-au-feu, or with white meats. What’s more, the very soft tannins of Pinot Noir make it a red wine you can drink with fish. Finally, this grape variety is of course also made for summer meals with friends. It will go perfectly on a table in the shade thanks to its light acidity, which will refresh you. In short, you’ve just found an ideal companion for many future meals. And there you have it, well done, you now know all about Pinot Noir. Once again we’ve seen that wine isn’t a drink like any other. Every grape variety is full of secrets that I can’t wait to share with you. Learning about wine is crucial to finally being able to enjoy it fully. So I’ll see you in the next episode. In the meantime, to keep up your wine-learning efforts, head to the Club. By signing up, you’ll be able to be notified of upcoming episodes and have all the bonuses that go with them, and learn about wine simply. It’s free, it’s interesting, and if you ever change your mind, you can unsubscribe whenever you like. So go and sign up right after this episode to our club.
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