European Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir has been grown in Europe since the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, the grape has mutated into many other varietals. These include Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay. Pinot Noir is currently grown throughout the world.
Pinot Noir is the noble red grape of France’s Burgundy region. Burgundy winemakers are largely concerned with translating the local terroir of their vineyard. Whereas climate is crucial in California, dirt reigns supreme in Burgundy.
The average temperature is lower here than in Bordeaux. Frosts can be a hazard during the early spring. Until recently, this was the only region in the world to successfully make wine out of the finicky varietal.
The grape was saved during the Dark Ages when the Catholic Church began to grow Pinot for use in ecclesiastical wine. In the 14th Century, Philippe the Bold Duke of Burgundy, promoted the grape over Gamay. The Cote d’Or was already prized above other areas at this time.
During the French Revolution, much of the Church’s vineyard land was seized and distributed to the families in Burgundy. Vineyard ownership in the region has been extremely fragmented since this time. Pinot Noir is subsequently produced in an amazingly large number of styles in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir is lighter in Aexerrais in the north and fruitier in Cote Chalonnaise to the south. The Cote d’Or in Burgundy is the heart of Pinot Noir country. Many farm their vineyards using biodynamic principles. The guyot trellis system is normally used in Burgundy.
