Pinot Noir

The pinot noir, or pinot, is a French grape vine.

The pinot noir has long been known in Burgundy, to which the genetic variability of this variety attests. It may originate from wild vines selected and cultivated at the time of the arrival of the Romans. As such, it could be allobrogica, an ancient Roman variety.

In the Middle Ages, its history intertwined with that of the monasteries, which contributed to the reputation of the Burgundian vineyard. Each village jealously guards its variety of pinot, creating mutations over the wide variety of families.

Dating from this period, this variety spread in the areas of Germanic influence (such as Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Alsace).
Its introduction in the new wine countries (Australia, USA) is related to the Germanic migration to these countries.

Distribution
In France, it has imposed in the north-east, Burgundy, Alsace and Champagne. This grape is used to produce the great wines of the Cote d’Or. It is also found in Languedoc, more precisely in Limoux (Aude) where it produces wines of great quality.
In Germany, it is constantly augmented, with over 11,000 ha planted.

In Switzerland, the pinot noir is the principal red grape. In the canton of Neuchatel, it is used to make a famous rose called Oeil de Perdrix.
In the United States, pinot noir is the main grape variety grown in Oregon; the state is cooler, temperate and more humid than California to the south.

In California, where it is becoming increasingly popular especially after the movie Sideways was released in 2004, many areas and producers wishing to innovate or differentiate themselves from others are growing pinot noir.  These areas include the Central Coast, the Sonoma Coast, and the Russian River Valley.

It already appears in areas of other states, such as Long Island in New York. The wines made from pinot noir should give, for the first time in the US, wines more fruity and easy drinking for young consumers.
In Canada, the pinot noir is found especially in Ontario, with producers like Inniskillin, Norman Hardie, Reif Estate Winery, and Calona Vineyards.
In New Zealand, pinot noir is also grown very successfully, especially in areas of Central Otago, Marlborough, Martinborough and Waipara.
Ampelographic Characteristics:

End of the young shoot which has an average density of high-lying hairs.
Young leaves are green or yellow.
Branches to internodes with red stripes.
Adult leaves are dark green or very dark, entire, 3 or 5 lobes with petiolar sinus slightly open or closed, lobes opposed to the lower face in “cockscomb”, short teeth, a blade tormented strongly bubble and a lower surface sparsely appressed hairy.
Berries are roundish or slightly elliptical.

Viticulture

The pinot noir grape requires a soil that weakens its force. It requires careful pruning to limit the production of Grapillon. It is sensitive and susceptible to a variety of diseases, particularly mildew, gray mold and leaf hoppers.

Technological clusters and berries are small. This vine is demanding regarding soil conditions and climate; it loves clay-limestone soils and the continental climate.

Pinot noir produces red wines of high quality, combining finesse, power, intensity and aromatic complexity. It stores much sugar, but its acidity is sometimes just a little mature. Its color is very intense but remains far aging. It can be used for the preparation of the base wine for sparkling wines such as Champagne and Cremant de Bourgogne.