What Is Pinot Noir Wine?

by Nancy Yos

Overview

Pinot noir is a red grape of the vitis vinifera species that is a wine grape, as opposed to an eating grape from a species like vitis labrusca. The word "pinot" derives from the French word meaning "pine cone," because the grapes grow so closely together on the bunch they resemble a pine cone. "Noir" means black.
History

Pinot noir is one of the oldest cultivated grape varieties. It may have been grown in ancient Gaul (modern France) 2,000 years ago. It is very prone to producing sudden mutations, which is one of the reasons it's difficult to grow.

Where it grows

The pinot noir needs a cool climate. Too much sun and hot weather make it set many grapes of poor flavor. It grows best in eastern France (Burgundy), or in parts of Oregon and California near cool ocean breezes.
Grape characteristics

The grape has a thin skin and acidic juice. Since the grapes grow tightly bunched, they rot easily unless the vines are properly pruned.
The wine's characteristics

Pinot noir's thin skin means the wine has a paler color and less tannin than other red wines. The acidic juice makes a tart wine that traditionally would need years of aging to taste good. Pinot noir is known for its unusual "gamy" or earthy smell.
Pinot's names

Some of the finest wines in the world are aged pinot noirs. A red Burgundy is a pinot noir, and fine Champagnes typically include some pinot in their blend. Other names for the grape are Spatburgunder (Germany) and Pinot Nero (Italy).