The aromas and flavors that will predominate will depend on its origin and the viticultural and vinification resources brought together to create an experience that will consistently related to its origin and style, thus defining the profile of the brand which will be yearly personalized by the vintage characteristics.

The origin of the Pinot Noir is unclear but scientists agree that it is one of the oldest varieties dating back to the pre Christ era. This is also the reason, ampelographers believe, it is why the Pinot Noir has such a strong tendency to mutate. We know mostly of the colored mutatations, like Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier, but there are many more, as well as clones within the color families, such as the famous Swan and Pommard clones. Each mutation gives Pinot Noir a signature that can be later tasted in wines.

These signatures tend to develop in synergy with certain soils and climatic environments, and viticulturists can enhance those qualities from the moment the vine is rootstocked in the vineyard. The myriad of elements available to combine gives each winery the tools to develop what they think is a desirable profile, which we like to think goes hand in glass with their personal taste.

The royal red of Burgundy
Though Pinot Noir is been planted with great success in many vinelands around the world, most notably Oregon and New Zealand, Burgundy remains the idyllic paradise where it commands aristocratic distinction. The burgundian vineyards are comprised of small lots, with different soil compositions and exposures, two extremely defining aspects when it comes to determine the differences between the personality of a vineyard and its neighbor. Vinification philosophies also have a great influence, but one can safely venture, generally speaking, when tasting blind, into pointing a Pinot Noir as of burgundian origin or not although it most also be pointed out, that in recent years, this is being increasingly difficult.

The ascendent development of the Pinot Noir personalities in other countries, confirm two important aspects of the Pinot Noir. First, that there are characteristics that are intrinsic to the variety, and second, that it can indeed develop different, and also greatly desirable flavors and aromas, when planted in just the right sites outside of Burgundy. For this reason, one can’t deny the allure of Burgundy Pinot Noirs nor the finesse it contributes to the collective profile of the New World wines.

The most distinctive qualities of the classic Burgundies are reminiscent of the land and the latter seasons of the year. They exhibit a tamed, tender, somewhat elusive wilderness that invites your mind to take a walk in the woods, or the vineyard, in this case. This character makes rain welcomed.

In the New World the tasting notes of Pinot Noir revolve more around black cherries, lush berries and a lively, vibrant character. Tannins are still a lot gentler than the Cabernet Sauvignon. New World Pinot Noir build their strenght more through character and varietal expression. Vinification practices can nurture the development of earthy tones, but these will tend to be fresh, in contrast to the more somber quality -and equally fascinating- truffles and forest floor of their European counterparts

Tasting Guide
The way to discover Pinot Noir, or any other variety or style, is tasting. So we invite you to read through our Pinot Noir Tasting Guide, compiled with the purpose of showcasing a wide variety of styles to spark your curiosity and bring about the great sensorial memories Pinot Noirs can imprint in your mind.

-Amarylis Dávila, WineLifePR Editor

Go to Pinot Noir Tasting Guide