CARPE TRAVEL WINE 101:
GET TO KNOW THE GRAPES
Pinot Noir (pee-no nwar) is one of the world’s most planted grapes and best loved wines. Known for producing wines with finesse and aging potential, it is one of the world’s most expensive wines driven by its popularity and difficulty to grow.
In cooler climates such as France, Germany, Italy, and Oregon, Pinot Noir wines show cranberry, red cherry and mushroom flavors. In warmer climates, the wine shows notes of raspberry and clove. You see this in regions like South Australia, Chile, Argentina and California. Heat (or lack thereof) changes the flavor profile.
Dominant flavors on the nose and palate include cherry, raspberry, strawberry, earth, violet, lilac, sandalwood, mushroom, cola, clove, tobacco, pomegranate and rose.
Pinot Noir traditionally produces a medium to high acidity red wine with low tannins. To increase the tannins many winemakers choose to ferment with whole grape clusters – keeping the stems and the skins on during the fermentation process. Initially this make the wine a little bitter, increasing the tannins in the wine, and making it more age-worthy (20 years), also adding depth and finesse.
Fun Fact
If you like Pinot Noir, sip all the Pinots! Studies show that Pinot Gris / Grigio and Pinot Blanc share the same DNA as Pinot Noir – they just have different color mutations.
WHERE TO FIND THE Pinot Noir Grape
The Pinot Noir grape is native to Burgundy, France. The temperamental vines are considered difficult to grow as they are persnickety about the climate in which they thrive, demanding a long, cool growing season. Often Pinot Noir grapes are planted near large bodies or water and/or an area that gets a lot of morning fog, such as Napa Valley.
Top Pinot Noir wine producing countries includes France, United States, Germany, Moldova, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, and Switzerland.
PINOT NOIR DAY: AUGUST 18
There’s a day to celebrate everything, including Pinot Noir wine.
When is the Right Mood for Pinot Noir?
HOW TO ENJOY Pinot noir WINE
Pinot Noir food pairing
Pinot Noir is one of the best food wines. Pairs best with Pork, Bacon, Beef, Chicken, Duck Confit, Coq Au Vin, and Wild Mushrooms.
Practical Tips for Pinot Noir
Glassware: Pinot Noir should be consumed in a large red wine glass.
Shelf Life: In general, Pinot Noir wines age about 5+ years. with top expressions from places like Burgundy and the Willamette Valley lasting for decades.
Bottle Prices: Average cost ranges from about $15 – $45.
Pinot Noir WINE RECOMMENDATIONS
Looking for Pinot Noir recommendations?
Valerie Quintanilla is an American expat in Alba, Italy. Val was an original Carpe Travel contributor before packing up her American life to chase her Italian dreams.
Today she runs a custom travel / wine tour planning business while moonlighting as a marketing consultant for wine and travel business in Europe. She has been featured in Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine Magazine, Open Skies (Emirate Airlines inflight magazine), and more.