Pinot noir is a light red wine that is grown from pinot noir grapes, and has its origins in France, from as early as 150BC.http://wineintro.com/types/pinotnoir.html In the Burgundy region of France, the pinot noir grapes were popularized as the main ingredient in most of the Burgundy wines of the region. In fact, the terms "Burgundy" and "pinot noir" are nearly interchangeable. In the 1990s, the pinot noir grape finally made its way to other countries such as the U.S., New Zealand, and Australia, becoming popular among vineyards to produce a new version of an old wine--pinot noir wine.
Though the wine is widely heralded by wine connoisseurs (as was celebrated in the American fictional movie, Sideways), the pinot noir grape is known to be extremely temperamental and difficult to grow. Propagation is difficult since children will sometimes not at all resemble the parent vines, and the plants are disease-prone and sensitive to spring frosts. Even the fermentation process is a challenge, in that at times the grapes will not hold their flavor or color and are known to ferment "violently".http://www.winepros.org/wine101/grape_profiles/pinot.htm
You can find bottles of pinot noir that range in colors from a medium red to hues of purple or brown. The flavors are said to draw from strawberry or plum jam, black cherry, currant, vanilla, earth, roses, and even leather.http://wineintro.com/types/pinotnoir.html The wine is fairly high in acidity, but has low tannins.http://www.wine-tasting-reviews.com/wine-types-varieties-grapes/red-wine-types/pinot-noir-wine-flavor-aroma-characteristics.html
Pinot noir is recommended with meals including grilled beef, lamb, pork, and stews. Many different types of meat when served with pinot noir will actually bring out extra rich flavors in the wine. The only type of meat not recommended for consumption with this red wine is wild game.http://www.wine-tasting-reviews.com/wine-types-varieties-grapes/red-wine-types/pinot-noir-wine-flavor-aroma-characteristics.html
Pinot Noir Description
In this video, a pinot noir connoisseur describes where the wine originated from, and where it is well-made today. Her recommendations include the original French Burgundy, and pinot noir valleys from Oregon, California, and New Zealand. You will also see serving suggestions and recommendations on buying pinot noir only when paying $25, in order to avoid tasting a disappointing bottle.
Buy Pinot Noir Online
References
Fast Facts
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Name meaning
Literally "Black pine" in French, a reference to the shape of the grape clusters
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Grapes
Grape contains about 30,000 genes
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Other uses
Is one of the main grapes in most Champagne and Sparkling Wines
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Origins
Cultivated in the Burgundy region of France since the 1st century
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Potential health benefits
Rich in resveratrol, which may boost the human immune system
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Produced in
France, California, Oregon, Washington State, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania
