Every year on August 18, wine enthusiasts around the globe raise their glasses to celebrate Pinot Noir Day. This special day is dedicated to one of the world’s most cherished and complex grape varieties. Pinot Noir, often referred to as the “heartbreak grape” due to its delicate nature, has a storied history and reputation for producing some of the most exquisite wines in the world.
This article delves into the history, characteristics, regions, and celebration of Pinot Noir Day, offering a comprehensive look at why this wine deserves its day of appreciation.
Know The History of Pinot Noir Day
Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grape varieties, with over a thousand years of history. The name “Pinot Noir” is derived from the French words for “pine” and “black,” referencing the grape’s tightly clustered, pinecone-shaped bunches of dark berries.
Today, this grape is grown worldwide, but its French heritage remains a crucial part of European history and wine culture.
When the Romans invaded Gaul, they were impressed by the rich quality, texture, and distinctive flavors of the Pinot Noir grape, which included ripe red fruit, cherries, toast, and spices.
For over 300 years, the grape, primarily grown in the Burgundy region of France, became highly valued by the Romans.
The Romans established vineyards and began cultivating the grape commercially, making it the preferred wine of the nobility. The Catholic Church also adopted Pinot Noir, using it in religious ceremonies.
The favored grape species and wine, Pinot Noir, became a mainstay wine for the Catholic Church for centuries to come.
Pinot Noir vineyards owned by the Catholic Church remained under the control of the Catholic Church, in France, until the French Revolution in 1789, which brought an end to the aristocratic-only access to wine.
The grape has been exported far and wide, however, it is an extremely difficult grape to cultivate successfully, conditions have to be perfect, and while there is a population of Pinot Noir grapes grown on every continent in the world, the French variant seems to attract the most prestige and admiration.
| 1000 (Cistercian Monks enjoy backbreaking labor) |
Cistercian Monks became the authority on Christendom, their religious position expresses that hard labor placed one as close to God as possible, and thus, they began growing and cultivating Pinot Noir on the rocky slopes of Burgundy. |
| 1395 (Gammy Gets the Ban) | A popular French grape and wine in Burgundy are outlawed in the region by Duke Phillipe without any competition, and a demand for good wine makes Pinot Noir the most popular wine among the locals. |
| 1767 (Pinot Noir Arrives in the Americas) | Spanish Padres from Mexico brings the first variant of Pinot Noir to California. |
| 2004 (“Sideways”) | The film, “Sideways,” does well at the Box Office and inadvertently makes Pinot Noir popular thanks to strong, positive references to French wine. |
5 Interesting Things About Pinot Noir That Blows Your Mind
- Pinot Noir thrives in cooler climates. The grape’s thin skin can be damaged by too much heat and sun.
- France has the most Pinot Noir vineyards in the world, with 29,738 hectares.
- Today, there are over 40 different types of Pinot Noir grown worldwide.
- In the Middle Ages, Pope Urban V refused to return to Rome because he couldn’t get wine as good as the Pinot Noir from Burgundy.
- It’s known as the “heartbreak grape”. This nickname isn’t just because people drink it after a breakup, but also because it’s notoriously difficult to cultivate successfully, often leading to heartbreak for vintners due to failed crops.
Major Pinot Noir Wine Regions
While Burgundy is the most famous region for Pinot Noir, the grape has found success in several other regions around the world. Each of these regions brings its unique characteristics to the wine, offering a diverse array of Pinot Noir experiences for wine lovers.
Burgundy, France: The benchmark for Pinot Noir, Burgundy’s terroir is unmatched. The region’s varied climate and soil types produce wines with incredible depth and complexity. Notable sub-regions include Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune.
California, USA: California’s diverse climates allow for a wide range of Pinot Noir styles. The cooler regions, such as Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Santa Barbara County, are known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir with bright fruit flavors and balanced acidity.
New Zealand: Central Otago and Marlborough are the two primary regions for Pinot Noir in New Zealand. Central Otago, in particular, is known for its bold and fruit-forward Pinot Noir, while Marlborough offers more restrained and elegant expressions.
Australia: Regions such as Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Tasmania are known for their cool climates, which are ideal for growing Pinot Noir. Australian Pinot Noir tends to be fruit-driven with good acidity.
Chile: The cool coastal regions of Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys in Chile produce Pinot Noir with bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. Chilean Pinot Noir is gaining recognition for its quality and value.
Frequently Ask Question
1. What is Pinot Noir Day?
Pinot Noir Day is an annual celebration held on August 18th, dedicated to appreciating and enjoying one of the world’s most cherished and complex grape varieties, Pinot Noir.
2. Why is Pinot Noir called the “heartbreak grape”?
Pinot Noir is often referred to as the “heartbreak grape” due to its delicate nature and the difficulty in cultivating it successfully. Its thin skin and susceptibility to diseases and weather conditions make it a challenging grape for vintners.
3. Where did Pinot Noir originate?
Pinot Noir originated in France and has a history dating back over a thousand years.
The name “Pinot Noir” comes from the French words for “pine” and “black,” referencing the grape’s tightly clustered, pinecone-shaped bunches of dark berries.
4. How did Pinot Noir become popular in the Americas?
Pinot Noir was introduced to the Americas by Spanish Padres from Mexico in 1767, who brought the first variant to California.
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