Pinot Noir – A Magnificent Red Wine

Pinot Noir grapes are one of the most difficult grapes to grow and it tends to be problematic during each step of the wine-making process. However, when everything comes together during the wine making process, Pinot Noir grapes produce a magnificent red wine that has been described as “liquid silk” due to its smooth flavor.

Pinot Noir is a full-bodied wine that tends to have a light flavor. Its alcohol content is relatively high, yet it does not taste tannic or acidic. The wine invokes flavors similar to smoke, raspberries or cherries.

One of the problems with producing Pinot Noir is that the vines need to be at least 10 years old before they start producing good wines. Burgandy, France has been growing Pinot Noir grapes for several centuries and that area tends to produce the finest varieties of this wine. New Zealand and Oregon state also produce some very good Pinot Noir wines.

In Burgundy, France, the grape grows in a limestone soil, which produces a unique flavor. All wines made in the famous Burgundy region of France utilize the Pinot Noir grape, except for Beaujolais. Wines from this area are labeled “Bourgogne”, which is french for Burgundy.

New Zealand produces some excellent Pinot Noirs, which tend to have a raspberry flavor. It is darker and richer than other varieties, and has a higher acidity. Any variety from the regions of Canterbury, Wairarapa or Martinborough should be good choices.

The Willamette region of Oregon makes some of the state’s finest Pinot Noir. This is one of Oregon’s coolest grape-growing regions. The wine produced tends to be slightly fruity in flavor. Good choices are from the Benton-Lane, Rex Hill and Domaine Serene vineyards.

Because the grapes tend to be harder to grow and due to difficulties frequently encountered during production, bottles of Pinot Noir tend to be a bit more expensive that most Merlots or Chardonnays. However, good choices can be found for $30 or less, which is still in an affordable price range.