The aristocrat of vineyards: discovering Pinot Noir

Bring to the table aPinot NoirIt means to elevate the mealtime and choose a bottle that is a symbol of elegance and refinement.

If we had to compare it to a prestigious character, it could only be a lavish sovereign, luxurious and voluptuous in its essence of rich red.

Let's then discover an aristocratic grape variety, retracing the history of thePinot Noir, the regions where it is most widely spread, the winning pairings, and the winemaking process involved.

Pinot Noir, an ancient grape variety 2000 years old.

Starting from its origins, the nobility ofPinot NoirIt is also given by a millennial history, with the grape variety that has been able to survive over time and adapt to the climate of various regions, arriving today on our tables excellent and refined like no other variety.

The first evidence of the grape variety in history dates back to France, specifically in Burgundy in the 4th century. d.C., where it certainly arrived due to the ancient Romans, who, by expanding their borders across the Alps, brought with them products of this kind. France still remains the place where the most...Pinot NoirIt manages to unfold its potential, reaching the highest level in the territories of Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune.

The bottles that speak French are therefore the most prestigious in the world and have their roots in a fascinating past, when in 1395 Duke Philip the Bold, regent in Burgundy, issued an edict that provided for the replacement of all existing grape varieties in the area with the variant ofPinot Noir.

This sparked no small amount of protests and concerns among the farmers and laborers of the time, as it was a variety that was truly difficult to cultivate, prone to disease, and challenging to integrate with the soil. What fascinated the Duke was the idea of producing the most elegant and refined wine in the region, surpassing all the other nobles even at the table.

Despite the years have validated this choice, behind the tasting of aPinot NoirThere is a great remedy hidden for the cultivation of a complex vineyard, which does not withstand rain and easily succumbs to diseases and pests.

One might wonder why to put in all this effort and continue the production of this wine, but the answer is simple.

Let's talk about aristocratic bottles among the best in the world, and it would be a mortal sin to take away the pleasure of drinking such a precious and enveloping beverage.

How does a Pinot Noir vine look?

Just by observing it visually, thePinot NoirIt is different from other grape varieties, with very small clusters and leaves, more or less the size of a pine cone.
The grapes therefore have reduced sizes, ensuring excellent yield, even in economic terms, but only if every phase of the plant's development and winemaking is meticulously cared for.

The skin is extremely thin, so delicate that it is susceptible to mold and fungi, which can ruin the annual production.

However, if every factor aligns properly, the result is astonishing, and the bottles that are produced reach unparalleled levels of excellence.

Just think that the most expensive wine in the world is produced in the Tenuta Romanée-Conti in Burgundy, a plot of just two hectares capable of creating a marvel for lovers of refined luxury bottles.

The variation of the climate is a determining factor in the development ofPinot Noir, as every change in temperature and soil generates grapes with different flavors and tastes, adding interesting nuances to a base that is already exceptional in itself.

The ideal climate is still cool and dry, never arid, as the lack of water is detrimental to the proper development of the grapevine.

However, stagnant rain is equally harmful, so it is advisable to find a balance between precipitation and clear weather.

The aim is to preserve the intense and pleasant aromas, the enveloping fragrance, and the ruby color, which shifts towards garnet hues under certain conditions.

The result is an explosion of aromas and scents that emerge with the first taste, but it is also extremely fascinating to discover them as you proceed with a more in-depth tasting.

Where is Pinot Noir currently grown?

Despite its perfect integration with French soil, this is not the only territory where thePinot Noir"Unleashes its incredible potential."

Taking a look from north to south of Italy, a hospitable land for many varieties of vines, we find excellent cultivations ofPinot NoirIn South Tyrol, which benefits from the breeze of the lake Garda and of the land with a strong clay component, as well as a cool and rather dry climate for most of the year.

We then mention Lombardy, Veneto, Tuscany, and Sicily, which have favorable characteristics and produce high-quality bottles, exported worldwide as Italian excellence.

Leaving national borders, Europe is also home to several prestigious Pinot Grigio grape varieties, with countries like Germany, Austria, Romania, and Switzerland competing for the title of best producer in the continental region.

In Oregon and California, certainly less suited from a climatic point of view, there have been several producers who have sought the best land to cultivate the grapes ofPinot Noir, managing in some cases to achieve a good degree of balance.

To complete an international picture of the cultivation of an aristocratic yet capricious wine, we also include Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia, which have successful attempts with a decent yield every year.

Returning again to the privileged ground of thePinot Noir, In France, it is interesting to know the classification that is made in Burgundy based on the position of the vineyard.

Let's distinguish between Grand Cru, which is prestigious and extremely expensive, Premier Cru, which is a slightly lower level but still excellent, Village, which is more affordable but still well contextualized in the territory, and Bourgogne, suitable for the budget of those who want to enjoy a good wine without spending excessively.

The organoleptic characteristics of Pinot Noir

Before discovering how to match thePinot Noir, Let's see what its organoleptic characteristics are and what to expect after a tasting.

The thin skin is low in colored pigments, and therefore the final color will never be darker than a ruby red or garnet.

The scents and aromas that can be perceived come from nature and the bushes of red fruits, with notes of currant, sour cherry, and wild strawberries that emerge distinctly.

The most attentive will be able to catch the rose petals and the toffee candy, and if the precious nectar has been aged in barriques, it is possible to perceive on the palate vanilla, licorice, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

The tasting is therefore truly enveloping, despite the absence of heavy tannins, as the effect is one of delicacy and refinement, with a luxurious and voluptuous drink that never comes across as overpowering.

The ending is fascinating and capable of leaving a pleasant taste in the mouth, but not so persistent as to overshadow that of the foods just tasted.

The difference between the various bottles ofPinot NoirIt is determined not only by the soils in which the grapevines grow but also by the passage of time and the aging of the bottles. Although it is initially a slender variant, over the years it gains greater body and consistency, developing new and interesting aromas and flavors.

Winning pairings: Pinot Noir and mountain dishes

In contrast to the very full-bodied reds, which require equally seasoned and complex dishes to avoid overpowering in terms of flavor, thePinot NoirIt is distinguished by its slender elegance and therefore requires a menu that is equally refined.

Starting with the first courses, it is ideal to drink it alongside dishes based on mushrooms or vegetables, as well as with pasta that has a delicate and not too overpowering filling. The pairing with typical risottos from northern Italy naturally comes to mind, or with tagliolini with truffles that are common in central regions.

Delicate white meats, such as rabbit and duck, pair perfectly with thePinot Noir, just like the chicken with mushrooms or the guinea fowl stuffed with chestnuts and forest elements.

Given the delicacy of thePinot Noir, Especially in some characteristic variations, there are interesting combinations with fish, as long as it is a type with character.

So imagine a candlelit dinner, a seared tuna steak coated with pistachios, a glass of red wine, and a captivating atmosphere. What more could you ask for?

Again, it is possible to match thePinot NoirTo a salmon steak, to a baked sea bass, to a gilt-head bream or to a grilled swordfish, trying to give flavor to the dish with more intense and spicy spices.

What are the best examples of Pinot Noir currently produced?

Let's start our tour in Italy, where South Tyrol...Pinot Noir 2022 - TerlanIt enchants with its finesse. This wine represents the pinnacle of Pinot Noir production in South Tyrol, a region famous for its aromatic whites but which is also demonstrating increasing mastery in reds. The mountain freshness blends with the ripeness of red fruits, creating a surprising balance between lively acidity and silky tannins. The careful processing and unique terroir give this Pinot Noir a complexity that defies expectations, making it a memorable specimen.

Descending into the heart of Piedmont, Piedmont DOC Pinot Noir "Bricco del Falco" 2018 - Isolabella della CroceIt reveals itself as a hidden gem. This wine expresses the essence of Pinot Noir with a distinctive character, born from a land more famous for its Nebbiolo and Barbera.

"Bricco del Falco" offers a deeply Italian interpretation of the grape variety, with notes of cherry, wet earth, and a subtle hint of oak that intertwine in a persistent finish. It is a wine that proudly and elegantly speaks of its origin, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of Pinot Noir.

Crossing the Alps, we immerse ourselves in the richness of Burgundy with theGevrey Chambertin 2018 - Chanson Pere et Fils. Burgundy, the cradle of Pinot Noir, produces wines that are the benchmark for wine lovers around the world.

The Gevrey Chambertin of Chanson Pere et Fils It is a specimen that embodies the depth and complexity that only this region can offer. With its intense aromas of berries, damp earth, and an elegant tannic structure, this wine is a celebration of tradition and Burgundian excellence.

Finally, we move to New Zealand, where thePinot Noir 2021 - Cloudy BayIt represents the forefront of Pinot Noir production in the New World. Coming from the picturesque region of Marlborough, known for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, this Pinot Noir surprises with its freshness and aromatic intensity.

Characterized by vibrant notes of cherry and plum, with a touch of exotic spices and a silky finish, the Pinot Noir from Cloudy Bay It is a specimen that challenges conventions, demonstrating that even outside of France, Pinot Noir can reach heights of excellence.

Each bottle in this selection tells a unique story, a journey through landscapes and cultures expressed through Pinot Noir. From the heart of the Italian Alps to Burgundy, passing through Piedmont and flying to the distant lands of New Zealand, these wines represent some of the best examples of Pinot Noir produced today.

They are testimonies of the passion, dedication, and art of winemaking that continue to push the boundaries of this fascinating and complex grape variety.