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The Pinot Noir
10 March 2023Complex and mysterious, Pinot Noir is a noble grape variety from Burgundy. Particularly qualitative, it is associated with the prestigious appellations of Champagne and Burgundy and is ranked among the most planted varieties in the world.
It is vinified alone or in blends to create wines of exceptional aromatic finesse, some light and fruity, others full-bodied.
The history of the PINOT NOIR
As a very old grape variety, Pinot Noir originates from the north-east of France, mainly in Burgundy.
It takes its name from the pinecone-like appearance of its bunches. This bluish-black grape variety with small, oval-shaped grapes may have originated from wild vines in the forests. Plantations, praised by the writer Pliny the Elder, existed before the Romans occupied the Gaul.
In the Middle Ages its history is associated to the monasteries that took part in the planting of the Champagne and Burgundy vineyards.
In 1375, this variety was officially recognised and named Pinot Noir in the hospital registers of Beaune.
IMPLANTATION OF the PINOT NOIR
Beyond the Burgundy region, Pinot Noir imposed itself in the Champagne region, making up nearly 38% of the vineyard.
At ease in cool, chalky soils, this prestigious grape variety reigns in the Grands Crus and Premiers Crus villages of the Montagne de Reims and dominates in the Côte des Bar.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PINOT NOIR
1. ACCORDING TO THE NATURE OF THE TERROIR
The Pinot Noir is a remarkable interpreter of the terroir, and perfectly captures all its nuances. Champagne made from 100% Pinot Noir therefore "bears" the characteristics of its specific terroir of birth.
It offers a varied bouquet of aromas and expressions: delicate and elegant wines or more dense and fleshy wines.
- The Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims, with its particularly chalky soil, is powerful with a beautiful acidity and minerality. Its structure is characterised by a lively attack followed by a good volume, to terminate on a tense, virile, acid and mineral finish.
- The Pinot Noir from the Côte des Bar, with its marly soil, is round and fruity. Its structure is oval with a supple and ample attack, a full body and an aromatic finish.
2. ACCORDING TO AGEING
Pinot Noir offers us an organoleptic profile that evolves during its long years of ageing.
- In its youth, it develops notes of red fruit (cherry, blackcurrant, raspberry, strawberry, blackberry)
- In its maturity, it progresses towards notes of dried fruits, spices (cinnamon, pepper...) and empyreumatic (smoked, coffee...).
- As it ages, it releases notes of candied fruit, kirsch and jam, followed by underwood aromas (mushroom) and more animal notes such as leather.
It is now time to taste the result of this long work and to discover all the facets of Champagnes made from this prestigious grape variety.
Visit our online Boutique to choose your Cuvées!
Cin cin et à votre santé!
