Pinot Noir: Difference between revisions
Created page with "’‘Pinot Noir’’ is one of the oldest and most widely celebrated wine grape varieties, primarily associated with the region of Burgundy in eastern France. Thought to have been cultivated since Roman times, Pinot Noir is known for its delicate skin, tightly packed clusters, and notable susceptibility to both disease and mutation. Despite its viticultural challenges, it produces some of the world’s most sought-after red wines, characterised by a pale colour, nu..." |
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The history of Pinot Noir is deeply rooted in the viticultural heritage of France, particularly in the region of Burgundy, where it has been cultivated for over a millennium. Historical evidence suggests that Pinot Noir may have originated as early as the 1st century CE, likely developed through natural selection in the vineyards of Roman Gaul. By the 14th century, it had become the dominant red grape variety of the region, favoured by Cistercian monks who played a significant role in delineating vineyard plots and refining viticultural techniques<ref>Remington Norman, ''Grand Cru: The Great Wines of Burgundy Through the Perspective of its Finest Vineyards'', 2010.</ref>. | The history of Pinot Noir is deeply rooted in the viticultural heritage of France, particularly in the region of Burgundy, where it has been cultivated for over a millennium. Historical evidence suggests that Pinot Noir may have originated as early as the 1st century CE, likely developed through natural selection in the vineyards of Roman Gaul. By the 14th century, it had become the dominant red grape variety of the region, favoured by Cistercian monks who played a significant role in delineating vineyard plots and refining viticultural techniques<ref>Remington Norman, ''Grand Cru: The Great Wines of Burgundy Through the Perspective of its Finest Vineyards'', 2010.</ref>. | ||
The name “Pinot” is thought to derive from the French word for “pine,” a reference to the grape’s tightly clustered, pinecone-shaped bunches. Pinot Noir is also genetically ancient, forming the basis for a range of other varieties through spontaneous mutation or crossbreeding. Among its descendants are Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Meunier<ref>Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, and José Vouillamoz, ''Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours'', Allen Lane, 2012. ISBN 978-0062206367.</ref>. | The name “Pinot” is thought to derive from the French word for “pine,” a reference to the grape’s tightly clustered, pinecone-shaped bunches. Pinot Noir is also genetically ancient, forming the basis for a range of other varieties through spontaneous mutation or crossbreeding. Among its descendants are [[Pinot Gris]], [[Pinot Blanc]], and [[Pinot Meunier]]<ref>Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, and José Vouillamoz, ''Wine Grapes: A Complete Guide to 1,368 Vine Varieties, Including Their Origins and Flavours'', Allen Lane, 2012. ISBN 978-0062206367.</ref>. | ||
Despite its French origins, the grape has spread globally since the late 20th century. Its expansion was driven by increasing interest in cool-climate viticulture and a growing market for elegant, terroir-expressive red wines. Today, Pinot Noir is an internationally important grape, though its original identity remains most closely tied to the vineyards of the Côte d’Or. | Despite its French origins, the grape has spread globally since the late 20th century. Its expansion was driven by increasing interest in cool-climate viticulture and a growing market for elegant, terroir-expressive red wines. Today, Pinot Noir is an internationally important grape, though its original identity remains most closely tied to the vineyards of the Côte d’Or. | ||