Pinot Noir, Part 1

Pinot Noir


Over the next few weeks I will be diving into the world of the Pinot Noir. Now, the Pinot Noir grape is a huge subject, and some people spend a lifetime learning about this grape. With that in mind using only a few weeks to dive into each region, especially Burgundy, would be somewhat moot as eventually I would like to write about other things. Regardless, let's dive in with a brief explanation and history to start us off.

This grape is one of the most popular grapes in the world. Also referred to as Burgundy, Spätburgunder, and Delicious, the abundant red fruit, vegetal, animal flavors(Not actual animal, it’s a residual flavor from the grape. Winemakers do not strangle raccoons and elk, then dump them into the stainless steel vats in order to get a more varied flavor in their wines.), and relatively high acid and low tannins make this an incredibly easy to drink wine. Granted, this is not a huge wine, so if you are looking for the “I need a forklift in order to spill this sweet juice in my mouth” experience, stick to your Cabernets, and Syrahs.

Said to have existed in as early as 4th century AD in Burgundy, this is an ancient varietal of wine. It is also prone to mutation, for example: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Turtle, and Pinot Sloth. Less successful tries at unnatural mutation have been tossed, shunned, and eventually eliminated by the wine community, as seen by the creation and extinction of the Dodo.

The regions are generally split up into Classic, Premium, and Bulk/Inexpensive regions. The Classic consist of Bourgogne (Burgundy), Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Beaune, and Pommard. The Premium, or New World regions are

New Zealand - Martinborough, Marlborough, Central Otago
California - Costa Regions, Sonoma, Carneros
Chile - Casablanca
South Africa - Costal
Germany - Rheingau

Finally the Bulk/Inexpensive regions are based around Romania and Central Chile. The important thing about these two areas is to ignore the general stigma around the cheaper wines associated with these two areas, especially Romania. True you are not going to get the same quality wine as you would from Burgundy or the Russian River Valley, these wines are still very drinkable.

Being a delicate grape, it flourishes in a more Cool to Moderate climate. Cooler climates tend to bring out a more vegetal/high acid/low tannin combination, while a warmer/moderate climate brings out the Red fruit, med/high acid, and med/low tannins. Although valiant tries have been made to grow the grape in Death Valley, the Sahara, and Chechnya, it never worked out. Reasoning for this being somewhat scattered, but the general consensus has been, “It was just a really really really bad idea.”


Wine Recommendation

Acacia 2007 Pinot Noir Carneros $19.99

Winemaker's Notes: Seductive sun-warmed rose and forest loam nuances mingle with the red fruits, along with roasted coffee bean and vanilla notes from barrel aging. There's a hint of tangerine zest on the long, fruit-imbued finish. This wine's silky flavors, bright acidity and fine tannins make an elegant pairing with grilled salmon, wild mushroom risotto or roasted turkey and lamb.

2007 was a winemaker's vintage. The growing season was consistent and mild. The weather during the final stages of ripening was perfect. Notable on the Acacia estate was our lack of irrigation. Following two seasons of low rainfall, our reservoirs were dry, and we did not irrigate our vines during the growing season. Our wines show great concentration and character, and fortunately, winter brought heavy rain.

Wine-fitti Opinion: I have had this easy to drink wine on numerous occasions, and each time it has been very enjoyable. It is also a great go-to wine and last minute purchase as it is found in most supermarkets. So if you are in a pinch to bring something to a dinner or social event, this would be one of my top recommendations.