Today is August 18, a Day of celebration for Pinot Noir wine lovers around the world, as it is National Pinot Noir Day, a holiday for pinot noir.
Pinot noir is arguably one of the most famous red grape varieties in the world. It is grown in many regions around the world and produces many highly acclaimed wines, some of which are among the most expensive wines in the world.
So, how much do you know about Pinot noir and the wines it makes?
Learn about Pinot Noir with the world of Red Wine on International Pinot Noir Day.
Pinot NOir is a vintage grape that became popular in Gaul (later France) in the first century AD.
The foreign name Pinot comes from the French word Pin, referring to the compact pine-like cluster of grapes, while Noir, French for black, refers to the dark skin of the grape.
From the literal meaning of “Pinot Noir”, we can infer some of the characteristics of this variety — the dark skin and pinecone shape of the fruit cluster.
Pinot noir is known as “delicate and capricious”, sensitive to the growing environment.
It is notoriously fastidious about climate and soil, preferring mild or cool climates, though it will not ripen if the climate is too cool;
Hot climates can rob Pinot noir of its elegant aromas and produce overpowering jams.
At the same time, as a thin-skinned variety, Pinot noir is also susceptible to temperature fluctuations and sunburn. Coupled with its compact fruit grains, Pinot noir is more susceptible to bacterial infection and less resistant to disease than other grape varieties.
Only BY COMBINING THE APPROPRIATE GROWING ENVIRONMENT with the careful care of the grape growers can PINot NOir produce elegant and delicate wines with excellent aging potential.
