THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO PINOT NOIR

Pinot Noir is certainly the grape variety that produces the finest, most sought-after wines in the world. In France, it is found in many regions, such as Burgundy, where it produces almost all the region's wines; Champagne, where it is blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, but can also be a single varietal; and Alsace, where it produces supple, fruity wines.

Elsewhere in the world, it can be found in New Zealand, Italy, Moldavia, Switzerland, Australia, Argentina, Chile and Washington State in the USA.

> Our wines in stock

• ITS ORIGINS

Pinot Noir is a typically French grape variety. Very common in northeastern France, it was nicknamed "Vitis allobrogica" by the writer Columelle, because Pinot Noir was cultivated by the Allobroges at the time. Under the name "Allobrogica", the Romans spread it throughout Europe.

Pinot Noir is the origin of 2 families of grape varieties. Louis Levadoux is behind this grouping of grape varieties, where ampelographic and geographical characteristics are analyzed, along with a genetic analysis of each variety.

Pinot Noir is therefore considered the great-grandfather of Syrah, and is at the origin of the "Les Sérines" family, which includes grape varieties such as Syrah, Viognier and Mondeuse. The Noiriens family includes Aligoté, Auxerrois and Chardonnay.

• À THE VINEYARD

Pinot Noir is an early-ripening grape variety, which is why it is grown in the northern part of the globe. It appreciates limestone soils, so it's logical to find it in Champagne, Burgundy and Alsace.

Its skin is thin, small to medium-sized and cylindrical in shape. The pulp is black but the juice is white. It is therefore necessary to leave the juice in contact with the skins for a certain length of time to allow it to color.

It's also a fragile grape variety that fears many diseases. It fears spring frosts, which is why straw fires (or other types of fire) are sometimes set in the vineyards to combat them.

As for its etymology, its cluster resembles a pine cone, giving rise to the word Pinot.

• PINOT NOIR AROMAS

Its aromas differ according to its origin, the work done in the cellars and the ageing process.

But as a general rule, Pinot gives aromas of forest fruits, cherries and Morello cherries when young. Without barrel ageing, wines are supple, round and rather greedy. With barrel ageing, the wine is more mature, with toasty notes. As they mature, the wines take on aromas of humus and ripe, gamey fruit.

• PINOT NOIR IN FRANCE

This grape variety thrives in northern climates, as it is very precocious, and too much sun for too long can lead to a lack of acidity and therefore balance.

Calcareous soils with good water drainage return only what the grape needs to reach maturity. So we find it naturally on these soils in France.

• In Champagne :

Pinot Noir can be blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, but it can also be used as a single grape variety, in which case the Champagne is called "Blanc de Noirs", as it has white juice but comes from several black grapes.

Pinot will also be used to produce "Coteaux-Champenois - Bouzy" red wines.

• In Alsace :

Also found on limestone soils, Pinot Noir is fruity, delicious and supple.

Much of the wine is aged in vats to extract maximum fruit, but some estates age it in barrels to add body.

• In the Loire :

A single grape variety in the Sancerre and Menetou-Salon appellations, Pinot Noir is found in Kimmeridgian (limestone) soils, producing wines of great finesse. It also features in the blends of Valencay, Reuilly and Coteaux-du-Giennois...

• In Burgundy :

Pinot's native region, the limestone and mineral-rich soils give the grape complexity and character.

The lightest Pinot Noir grapes are found in the Tonnerrois region, often in the Hautes-Côtes-de-Nuits or Hautes-Côtes-de-Beaune.

Pinot grapes grown in the Côtes-de-Nuits, Côtes-de-Beaune and Côtes Chalonnaises regions are, depending on the terroir and the winemaker's skills, fuller-bodied, more complex and better for laying down.

• FOOD AND WINE PAIRING WITH A LIGHT PINOT NOIR

Very often tannin-free, Pinot Noir wines are supple, round and easy to drink.

Raspberry, wild berry and wild cherry aromas stand out. This style of wine is therefore ideal with light dishes. As an aperitif, with nibbles and as a starter with salads. You can also serve it with poultry, as the tender flesh will not distort the wine. For those who like fish but not white wine, light Pinot may be the solution. Don't hesitate to serve the wine slightly chilled.

> SANCERRE - DOMAINE DE VACHERON - LA BELLE DAME 2017

Domaine de Vacheron stands out from other great Sancerres for its fruitiness, finesse and velvety texture. A year's ageing in well-matured barrels adds a silky texture to the wine. A truly wonderful discovery.

WHAT TO EAT WITH A MORE POWERFUL PINOT NOIR?

Stronger, more powerful and often more tannic, Pinot Noir with character are the perfect accompaniment to game, poultry in sauce or mature red meats. A Pinot Noir with character is generally aged for several months or years. You'll need to wait between 5 and 10 years before opening them, to allow the tannins to mellow and soften. All the complexity of mature Pinot Noir will then emerge. Aromas of ripe, crushed red fruit and hints of undergrowth, combined with the silkiness and smoothness that characterize it. If you're lucky enough to taste such a Pinot Noir, take the time to appreciate it.

This time, the wine should be served at temperature, so as not to prevent the wine from developing its aromas.

GEVREY CHAMBERTIN - DOMAINE TORTOCHOT - LES CORVÉES 1990

Chantal and Brigitte Tortochot now run the family domaine, succeeding their father Gabriel Tortochot. The estate is located in the very village of Gevrey, and offers precise, careful viticulture that respects the appellation.

The "Les Corvées" cuvée is also located in the commune of Gevrey. With a size of 86 ares, it lies on brown soils with silts, which give it density and depth. Powerful and structured in its youth, the wine has had time to round out in bottle. Today, the wine is naturally evolved and light, but with real aromatic character.

> Our wines in stock