Everyday is Pinot Noir day to us, but 18 August is the official day we celebrate this great grape variety, mainly found in Burgundy, France.
The Pinot Noir Grape
Pinot Noiris derived from the French words for pine and black; it is so named due to the dark colour of the grapes, and the pine-cone shaped clusters they grow in on the vine. A fantastic, yet temperamental grape, it thrives in cooler climates, and is grown primarily in Burgundy, France, although it can also be found in continental, high altitude or cold regions with maritime influences. It is one of the few red grape varieties used to produce not only red wine, but also rosé wine, white wine and sparkling wine.
The Pinot Noir Wine
Unlike the firm tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir wines are elegant, fruity and easy on the palate. Its velvety flavour makes it the perfect addition to any affair. Young Pinot Noir wines can taste of red fruits like cherries and strawberries. As they age, they exude aromas of tea leaves or mushrooms and truffles, but always with an underlying hint of sweetness.
Pinot Noir is also one of the key ingredients in Champagnes. In fact, it is the most widespread grape variety in Champagne, covering 38% of the region. It brings elegance, freshness as well as an appealing smoky aroma to our bubbly.
Celebrate International Pinot Noir Day
What better way to celebrate this day than with a glass in hand? Pinot Noir comes in many varieties that each carries the personality and taste of the regions they come from.
If you’re here for a recommendation, you are in for a treat. Introducing a hidden gem in Burgundy - the charming Domaine Perrot-Minot in the Côte de Nuits. These Burgundies are pure and balanced, reflecting that of incredible finesse and great digestibility.
Wine maker, Christophe Perrot-Minot commented that 2018 "produced very good wines if you knew how to preserve the freshness, which sounds easy but in reality it required respecting a number of important details. Perhaps the most important choice was the right date of the harvest because the fruit needed to be ripe but not too ripe."
Have a taste for yourself and discover a new Pinot Noir today!
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