All you need to know about Pinot Noir

Some of the most complex wines we can come across are made with Pinot Noir, a variety that requires very specific climatic conditions to grow. However, under the proper care, it can deliver wines that are capable of enchanting the most demanding palates with its red fruit notes and oaky hints.

But beyond the variety’s tasting notes there are other aspects that are worth learning.

  1. Pinot Noir: What does it mean?

Every wine lover should know the origin of the name Pinot Noir. It comes from the words “pine” and “black” in French, referencing the shape of the grape bunch and the fruit’s dark color. It literally translates to “black pine”.

  1. Origin

This grape is originally from Burgundy, France, and its history goes back 2.000 years. At the very beginning due to the very specific soil and climate conditions required by the variety, it was grown mostly in that region; but technology and the study of the variety have allowed it to be grown also in Germany, New Zealand and Chile (to mention a few regions), places that produce some of the best Pinot Noir of the world.

  1. What about Chilean Pinot Noir?

Chile produces world-class Pinot Noir, mostly from San Antonio and Casablanca valleys, regions that give this grape the precise terroir to create unique wines.

It is also worth mentioning that this is a grape that present many challenges for its organic growth, however, Cono Sur has manage to produce an Organic Pinot Noir, a wine of soft tannins with aromas of cherry and raspberries with delicate hints of oak.

  1. Vineyard Management

Pinot Noir is an extremely delicate grape that requires mineral rich soils and temperate climates since excessive sunlight can damage the plant and affect is acidity levels. It is also very sensitive to frost and diseases like nematodes, mildew and botrytis.

  1. Pairings

Pinot Noir is a very versatile wine. You can pair it with salmon and tuna; with ham, lamb, pork, chicken and turkey. It also goes great with dishes prepared with mushrooms and light cheese.

  1. Aging

To age a good bottle of Pinot Noir, proper storage is essential. Keep the bottle away from direct light and in a place with temperatures between 10°C and 15°C.

  1. Serving temperature

Unlike other red wines, Pinot Noir is a variety that can be enjoyed slightly chilled, for us the ideal serving temperature is 14°C, temperature that allows you to fully appreciate its delicate aromas of red fruits, oak, spice and leather hints.

Now that you’ve read all about Pinot Noir, you can better appreciate the nuances that this variety offers.  Understanding that each palate is unique, we invite you to experiment and discover how you can best enjoy a wine as versatile as this.