PINOT NOIR

When we hear the name “Pinot Noir”, different sensations come to mind — all enjoyable — and we think back to the last time we drank a wine produced from that varietal. Subtlety, elegance, trajectory, and flavour are some of the words summoned up by the wines produced with this grape. In terms of geography, our minds are transported to Burgundy, the region between Lyon and Dijon, although this varietal is planted in many other Old World regions. Perhaps the most important is in Germany, where it is known as Spatburgunder. It is also found in New World countries such as the United States, Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Pinot is the queen of French reds, specifically in the vineyards found near the town of Beaune and extending towards the north, up to the village of Marsannayla-Côte. Within France, it is also heavily planted in the region of Champagne, where winemakers use it in both the whites and rosés of the region.

The most prized and sought-after wines come from the Burgundy area; above all, the wines produced by the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, despite their astronomical prices. If you hope to fully understand this grape varietal, the place to begin is with wines with “Bourgogne” on their label. These are the most typical wines of the region, though the grape used to produce them can come from various areas in Burgundy.

In terms of gastronomy, wines produced with Pinot Noir are the perfect accompaniment to meat stews. The reason? Because one aspect of a pairing is the contrast created. One example of this is the sensation of freshness — typical to the varietal — which counterbalances the protein of the meat and, especially, the many hours of cooking used to bring out the flavour of the meat. There is also an affinity between the two parts of the pairing. Many Pinot wines are produced using the stalks of the grape clusters to give the wine more structure and this aspect of the wine harmonises with the aromatic herbs and vegetables of the dish. And if you are looking for something more sophisticated, a red tuna with strawberries or raspberries is another ideal pairing.

Cuando oímos la palabra Pinot Noir nos vienen a la cabeza distintas sensaciones, seguramente todas placenteras y, recordamos, el último