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Positively Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a red varietal whose name is derived from the French words for "black pinecone,? alluding to the varietal?s tightly clustered, dark purple, pinecone shaped bunches of fruit. Pinot Noir produces highly aromatic red wine with a silky, velvety feel on the palate and is an elegant and complex wine.

Pinot Noir is a noble grape, and is capable of making some of the world?s finest, most complex and longest-lived wines. However, it is also one of the most finicky grapes to grow, preferringcooler regions such as the Burgundy region of France.

Vintages make more of a difference in the production of quality Pinot Noir than for any other varietal. This makes finding a good bottle of Pinot Noir a bit of a gamble; it is important to ask for recommendations from a reputable wine shop or restaurant.

Where the grape is grown

France - Pinot Noir?s homeland is Burgundy. Most people don?t realize that all Red Burgundies are 100% Pinot Noir. Burgundies are impeccably elegant, silken in texture, and accented by a delicate earthiness. A bottle of Burgundy will almost never say ?Pinot Noir? on the label, but some common appellation names include Clos Vougeot, Savigny-les-Beaune, and Echezeaux, as well as many others.

Pinot Noir is a crucial ingredient in Champagne and sparkling wines. Champagne is traditionally made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. ?Blanc des Noirs? on a bottle of sparkling wine designates that it is made from the two red grapes and no Chardonnay.

California - The finest growing regions for Californian Pinot are Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley, although other areas are quickly becoming home to excellent bottlings. Californian Pinot Noir tends to be bigger and more extroverted than Burgundy. It is typically medium-bodied with strawberries and cherries leaping from the glass. Oak fermentation or ageing will lend spicy vanilla notes.

Oregon - Stylistically, Pinot Noirs from the Willamette Valley?s cool climate show somewhere between Burgundy and California. They are elegant and velvety without being too fruity or earthy. Goldilocks would prefer an Oregon Pinot Noir.

Germany - In Germany, Pinot Noir is called Spatburgunder, and is now the most widely planted red grape (although Germany is more known for their whites).

New Zealand - Pinot Noir is becoming more popular in this up-and-coming wine country. Formerly the low annual sunshine hours in New Zealand discouraged the planting of red varieties, but new technology and experienced wine makers are now allowing this grape to shine.

Other regions - Since Pinot Noir is so tricky and demanding to grow, few other viticultural regions have any success with the grape. It is also planted in Chile, Austria, Australia, Argentina, and Italy.

What foods would you pair with Pinot Noir?

Because it is light bodied and has low or no tannins, Pinot Noir is always enjoyable on its own. Beyond that, it is very versatile. We especially enjoy Pinot Noir with salmon and tuna (that?s right?red wine with fish!), as well as a range of vegetable-based dishes.

What?s the difference between all of the different Pinot Grapes?

The Pinot family includes such varietals as Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris (a.k.a. Pinot Grigio), which are named for their skin colors. Pinot Noir is genetically unstable and over time has mutated to create this family of grapes. Though they are closely related, they all have different characteristics and are made in different styles depending on such factors as region, climates, and winemaking practices. Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris), Pinot Bianco (or Pinot Blanc), and Pinot Meunier are all mutations of Pinot Noir.

Recommended Wines

Best in Show: Nicholas Potel 2005, Nuits-St.-Georges, Burgundy, France $49.99 ($42.49 with GOGO discount)

Friendliest: Fleur 2007, California $15.99 ($14.44 with GOGO discount)

Best Bargain: Castle Rock ?California Cuvée? 2008, California $12.99 ($11.04 with GOGO discount)

Most Interesting: Hofstatter ?Meczan? Pinot Nero 2007, Alto Adige, Italy $25.99 ($22.09 with GOGO discount)

Girls on Grapes Tasting Dates

If you would like to explore Pinot Noir in further depth, come to one of our tastings! We will feature a half-dozen examples at each of these tastings, which are exclusively for Girls on Grapes Members. If you would like to attend, please contact Bin 604 at 410-576-0444 to reserve your glass

Monday, February 15th, 2010 (7-8pm)
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010 (7-8pm)
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 (6-7pm)

Monday, February22 nd , 2010 (6-7pm)
Tuesday, February 23rd , 2010 (6-7pm)
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 (7-8pm)

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