Pinot Noir - the noble grape from Burgundy

Pinot No ir - as it is known in Germany - is of course originally native to Burgundy, where it is called Pinot Noir. It is considered one of the noblest and also most capricious grape varieties, as it is very susceptible to many vine diseases due to its thin skin and has high demands on the soil and climate, as well as in the wine cellar. Nevertheless, winegrowers all over the world use it to make delicate, elegant, sometimes fruity and sometimes spicy wines. In South Tyrol, where it is called Blauburgunder , as in Austria, it has found ideal conditions, especially east of the Adige around Neumarkt and Montan.

Due to its great age (probably already 2000 years old) and its worldwide distribution, it is no wonder that it is known by around 300 synonyms. In addition to the more well-known names mentioned above, there are also such illustrious names as Savagnin Noir, Klevner, Pignola, Pineau de Chambertin and Pinot Cernii.

What makes Pinot Noir so special?

It is one of the best grape varieties in the world, the so-called Cépages nobles. And like hardly any other grape variety (with the possible exception of Riesling, also a noble grape variety), it reacts so strongly to its terroir, which it expresses particularly strongly. No wonder that in its native Burgundy, the vineyards have been precisely mapped for centuries and a small parcel can produce completely different wines than one right next to it. The interplay of slope, microclimate, soil type and sun exposure means that the Burgundy grape produces very different wines. (Of course, the skill of the cellar master also plays a role, but the great winemakers today are certain that the wine is predominantly produced in the vineyard and not in the cellar)

The most expensive wine in the world ever to be auctioned at Sotheby's was a Romanée-Conti, which changed hands for over $28,000: a Pinot Noir from the Côte d'Or in Burgundy.

here is just a small selection of our Pinots

Where does Pinot Noir grow?

Pinot Noir belongs to the cool climate varieties, i.e. grape varieties that favour cooler regions. This is why it traditionally grows very well not only in Burgundy but also in Germany, as well as in temperate regions around the world from California (yes, there are also cool growing regions on the coast here) to Moldova and New Zealand.

Fun fact: the film "Sideways" from 2004 started a real boom in Pinot Noir in California, while Merlot was considered a rustic wine that had fallen out of favour. This was confirmed by a study in 2008, but this trend only lasted a few years.

In Europe, it is most widespread in South Tyrol after Germany. Here, too, there are the typical limestone-clay soils that the variety loves and the altitude (it is not cultivated in the warm valley bottoms) means that it is sufficiently cool. In addition, the large differences between day and night temperatures produce a particularly complex interplay of flavours.

What does Pinot Noir taste like?

Of course, this depends very much on the factors mentioned above. There are enormous differences depending on origin, vintage and ageing. But a few typical flavours are (sour) cherry, red and dark berries, tart cranberry, tobacco, spices and leather. With increasing maturity, it is also reminiscent of game.

It is characterised by harmonious acidity and velvety tannins (if the winemaker has the right skills).

However, it also reaches its highest level of elegance in sparkling wine production when it is processed into delicious spumante, as in Champagne. Pinot Noir is then often an important partner in the cuvée, usually alongside Chardonnay and Meunier. Sometimes, however, it is also blended as a single varietal Blanc de Noirs. The Farfalla Extra Brut is just one example.

Buy Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir or Pinot Nero from us in the Vinothek Munzert and online in the shop.