Encyclopedia · Red grape

Pinot Noir.

Pale garnet, thin-skinned, low tannin, high acid. The most terroir-transparent red grape. Forest floor, dried rose, and red fruit are constants — site determines everything else.

Structure

Acidity high · Tannin low–med · Alcohol low–med

France

Burgundy

Climate Cool continental. Limestone and clay marl (Côte d'Or). Village, Premier, Grand Cru hierarchy defines intensity.

Style Whole cluster common. Old vine neutral oak. Minimal extraction. Site and vintage above all.

Tell Dried rose and red cherry, forest floor and mushroom, fine silky tannin, earthy complexity

USA

Willamette Valley

Climate Cool maritime Oregon. Jory volcanic and Willakenzie sedimentary soils. Burgundy-influenced.

Style Whole cluster common. Moderate new oak. More restrained than California. Lower alcohol.

Tell Red cherry and cola, earth and stem, moderate tannin, lighter body, Burgundy-leaning

Sonoma Coast

Climate Cool maritime. Direct Pacific influence via Petaluma Gap and coastal ridges.

Style Full to partial whole cluster. Moderate oak. More weight than Oregon but precision-driven.

Tell Ripe red cherry and raspberry, cola and gentle earth, soft plush red fruit, silky tannin

New Zealand

Central Otago

Climate Cool continental inland South Island. Schist soils. Highest Pinot Noir altitude in NZ.

Style Higher extraction than Burgundy. New oak more prominent. Firmer tannin. Age-worthy at top level.

Tell Dark cherry and plum, thyme and dried herb, firm grippy tannin, schist mineral

Train your palate

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