Pinot Noir is considered a noble vine. It is cultivated in the main wine regions of the world and is widely appreciated for producing wines of excellent quality.

The origins of Pinot Noir and its cultivation around the world

Among the oldest vines known, Pinot Noir is native to Burgundy, France. It is present in almost all Cuvée in the assembly and blending of different wines. The vine has been cultivated for over 2000 years here and contributes to the production of Champagne in France
Pinot Noir can be vinified as red, white, and sparkling wine, with exceptional results in each case. It is for this reason that Pinot Noir is now grown in Germany, Austria, California, Switzerland, Romania, and Italy, in spite of difficulties present in the cultivation phase.  In fact, this vine is very sensitive to differences in terroir: if grown in regions that are too hot it matures early, without having enough time to fully develop its aromatic profile. The origin of its name, however, derives from the pine-cone shape of its bunches, which distinguish this vine from all the varieties of the great Pinot family.

Pinot Noir is now cultivated in different regions of Italy, especially Trentino-Alto Adige, Lombardy, Veneto, Friuli, and Tuscany. It is also grown in certain areas of Sicily, on excellent soil with alluvial and calcareous-clayey characteristics.  The vine has contributed to the production of numerous DOC and DOCG red and white wines and, especially, to the production of Spumanti Metodo Classico in the Oltrepò Pavese, Alta Langa DOCG, Franciacorta DOCG, and Trento DOC. 

Pinot Noir: Characteristics of the wines

Pinot Noir produces elegant, recognizable wines that, depending on the area of origin, are more or less structured and intense, or softer and more refined. Pinot Noir grapes have a fine skin with little colouring power: Pinot Noir red wines will be rather pale and tending to ruby. Although tannin is present in the wine, it is never intrusive. 

Generally vinified in purity, the red wine obtained from Pinot Noir is characterized by the aromas of red fruits, more or less marked with aging. The aging process takes place in wooden barrels for a contained period so as not to overwhelm the fresh and elegant aromas that distinguish the wine.

When vinified as white wine, Pinot Noir is generally used as a base for sparkling wines, together with Chardonnay. However, the vine can also produce still white wines which stand out for structure and flavour that are unusual for whites. Finally, the wines obtained from this noble vine are characterized by a marked acidity, which oenologists counterbalance with the high alcohol content and reduced content of tannins. Pinot Noir wines have a good structure and a persistent flavour that is warm and fresh at the same time. 

Pairings

Thanks to their elegance and delicacy, Pinot Noir wines are ideal for accompanying a wide variety of dishes. Red Pinot Noirs pair particularly well with meat menus, especially with game or processed meats that are not too succulent, and with first courses that have a mushroom sauce. In Trentino Alto-Adige, in Südtirol winemakers produce Pinot Noir wines such as the "Trattmann" Pinot Noir Riserva Alto Adige DOC 2018. These wines are excellent throughout a meal,  pairing particularly well with fish, without ever overpowering the flavours of the dishes. 
Pino Noir wines are also excellent as an aperitif or with cheeses. There are numerous Pinot Noirs produced in Italy that are appreciated by critics who taste them on their own as a meditation wine. Pinot Noir grapes produce excellent classic and rosé sparkling wines such as the Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosato "Lebollè" Extra Dry, which pairs perfectly with tasty English savoury pies. And the Alta Langa "For England" DOCG Blanc de noir 2016 is simply divine with appetizers and risottos.
 
Now that you know the characteristics of this great noble vine, you must try the fine wines that are produced from Pinot Noir, in pure form or in blends, in dry or sparkling versions. The experts at Svinando have selected the best labels from the best wineries for you - try them all!