Where did Pinot Noir come from?

Pinot Noir is a grape variety that has roots deeply rooted in the ancient world. The history of this variety dates back to ancient Rome, where it was first mentioned under the name "Pinot". The name "Noir" means "black" in French, which refers to the dark grapes that this variety produces.

However, Pinot Noir became most famous in Burgundy, which is a prestigious region in France. Pinot Noir from Burgundy is considered one of the best red wines in the world and has a unique terroir that gives the wine its characteristic taste and aromas.

Regions for growing Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a demanding variety to grow. It prefers a cooler climate that allows the grapes to grow slowly and evenly. Mild temperatures during the growing season and cool nights are ideal, helping to develop complex flavors and preserve acidity in the grape must.

Besides Burgundy, there are many other regions around the world that are known for producing excellent Pinot Noir wines. Some of these include:

• Napa Valley, California: California has a long history of growing Pinot Noir, particularly in the Napa Valley region. These wines tend to be fuller and richer than traditional Burgundian Pinot Noir.
• Oregon, USA: Oregon Pinot Noir is gaining recognition for its exceptional terroir and exceptional quality.
• New Zealand: New Zealand's Central Otago and Martinborough are known for their excellent Pinot Noirs, which have excellent fruit characters.

Character of New Zealand Pinot Noir

In New Zealand, the Pinot Noir variety thrives in several regions. But the best known and best region for growing this variety is Central Otago in the South Island. Central Otago is the southernmost wine growing region in the world and has the ideal climate and soil for Pinot Noir. The vineyards here have several advantages:

• Climate: Central Otago has a continental climate with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. This climate helps preserve the acidity in the grape must and bring out the fruity notes of the Pinot Noir.
• Exposure: Vineyards in Central Otago are often located on slopes that have ideal exposure to the sun. This allows the grapes plenty of sunlight and warmth during the growing season.
• Soil: The region has diverse soil, but some vineyards are on calcareous, gravelly soils that are ideal for growing Pinot Noir.
• Cool nights: Central Otago has cool nights, which helps preserve the fruit characters and complexity of the wine.

Other regions in New Zealand where quality Pinot Noir is grown are Martinborough in the North Island and the Marlborough and Canterbury regions in the South Island. These regions also have suitable climates and soils for this variety, although they may differ in the character and style of Pinot Noir they produce. Check out another great selection of New Zealand Pinot Noirs on our website .

What to eat with it?

Pinot Noir is also known for its excellent ability to pair with food. Its subtle acidity and fruity notes make it a great choice for a variety of dishes, including chicken, fish, beef and even cheeses.