The Last Word Pinot Noir
Taste Expressions of Pinot Noir can vary enormously but its essential characteristic is charm. It tends to be perfumed and fruity. It dances on the palate rather than overpowering it. Flavours is the second most widely planted grape variety in terms of acreage. Fashionable Princess In the wine world where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king, Pinot Noir would be the princess. This fashionable red burgundy grape is capable of producing divinely scented, gorgeously fruity expressions of place, but often unwilling or unable to do so. Aptly named the “heartbreak grape,” Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult grapes to grow due to its thin skins. Despite its fickle nature, it has inspired growers all over the world. In British Columbia, Pinot Noir
Characteristics The Pinot Noir grower’s lot is not an easy one. Pinot Noir ripens relatively early so it is not
suitable for very warm regions where there would be no time to develop interesting flavours before acid levels plummet. On the other hand, many of the cooler regions in which it thrives suffer autumn rains which can rot Pinot’s thin- skinned berries, resulting in pale, tainted wines. The
positive side of all this is that Pinot Noir is a very transparent grape and it really can reflect its terroir or grape-growing environment.
Food Pairings Due to its high acidity and low tannin content, Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile red wines to match with food. There are ingredients that will pair with practically any Pinot Noir and these include duck, mushrooms,
found in young Pinot Noirs include raspberries, strawberries, cherries and violets. It takes well to French oak and, as it matures in bottle, develops silky textures and alluring undertones of truffles, game, leather, licorice and autumnal undergrowth.
salmon and tuna. Other great pairings for Pinot Noir include: charcuterie, ham and other cold meats; pâtés and terrines; soft cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, Gruyère and goat’s cheese; spring vegetables; roasted meats such as turkey, ham and goose; and gamey meats such as lamb and venison.
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