12 Surprising Facts you Didn’t Know About Pinot Noir

12 Surprising Facts you Didn't Know About Pinot Noir

12 Surprising Facts you Didn't Know About Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is a beloved wine that is enjoyed by wine enthusiasts all over the world. It's known for its delicate flavors and aromas, and it's a favorite among both novice and seasoned wine drinkers.

The Pinot Noir grape is native to Burgundy, France, although it is now grown all around the world.

But did you know that there are many surprising facts about Pinot Noir that you may not be aware of?

Surprising Facts About Pinot Noir

According to Stan Kushkin, a sommelier and founder at http://winerooster.com/ here are 12 surprising facts you probably didn't know about Pinot Noir:

1. Pinot Noir is One of the Oldest Grape Varieties in the World

Pinot Noir is believed to be one of the oldest grape varieties in the world, dating back to the Roman Empire. It is also the parent grape of several other popular wine grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Gamay, and Pinot Gris.

2. Pinot Noir is Probably the Most Difficult Grape to Grow

Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to grow and requires specific growing conditions to thrive. It is a thin-skinned grape that is prone to disease and requires a long, cool growing season to develop its complex flavors and aromas.

3. Pinot Noir is Used in Champagne Production

Pinot Noir is one of the three main grape varieties used in the production of Champagne, along with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. It is used to create the base wine, which is then blended with other wines to create the final Champagne blend.

4. Pinot Noir Can Be White or Red

While Pinot Noir is best known as a red wine, it can also be made into a white wine. White Pinot Noir is made by pressing the grapes gently and removing the skins before fermentation, which gives the wine a light, crisp flavor.

5. Pinot Noir is Best Served Slightly Chilled

While red wines are typically served at room temperature, Pinot Noir is best served slightly chilled. This helps to bring out the wine's delicate flavors and aromas.

6. Pinot Noir is the Most Food Friendly Wine

Pinot Noir is the most versatile wine and pairs well with a variety of foods, including salmon, roasted chicken, pork, and even spicy dishes for you and your guests.

7. It's the Grape Behind Some of the World's Most Expensive Wines

Pinot Noir is the grape behind some of the world's most expensive wines.

One of the most expensive Pinot Noir wines is the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, which comes from Burgundy, France. This wine can cost upwards of $20,000 per bottle and is considered one of the most sought-after and rarest wines in the world.

8. Pinot Noir is the Grape Behind Red Burgundy

When you hear the word red Burgundy wine, and you are not sure which grape it is, it is 100% Pinot Noir. The soil and climate in Burgundy are perfectly suited for growing Pinot Noir grapes.

9. It's One of the Lightest Red Wines

Pinot Noir is one of the lightest red wines, with a lower tannin content than other red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.

10. Pinot Noir is Not Always Aged in Oak

While many Pinot Noir wines are aged in oak barrels, not all are. Some winemakers prefer to age their Pinot Noir in stainless steel tanks to preserve the delicate flavors and aromas of the wine.

11. It is one of the Healthiest Red Wines

One of the most significant health benefits of Pinot Noir is its ability to promote heart health. The wine contains high levels of resveratrol, a compound that helps to reduce inflammation in the body and protect against heart disease.

12. Pinot Noir Grapes are Used to Make Grape Juice

Finally, Pinot Noir grapes are also used to make grape juice. The juice is often used to make sparkling grape juice, which is a popular non-alcoholic alternative to Champagne.

Conclusion

Pinot Noir is a fascinating wine with a rich history and many surprising facts. From its origins as one of the oldest grape varieties in the world to its versatility when it comes to food pairing, there is always something new to learn about this beloved wine