Pinot Noir One Of The Oldest Grapes example essay topic

Pinot Noir One of the oldest grapes grown to make wine, Pinot Noir is considered the great wine grape. Its origin dates back to the Ancient Romans calling this grape Helvenacia Minor. They cultivated this grape as early as the first century AD. It is very delicate and many wine experts favor its taste. In the recently released movie Sideways they talked about the grapes superior flavor to merlot or any other grape. The movie went on and on about the complexity of the grape.

The movie itself boosted Pinot Noir sales by thirty percent. Pinot Noir is a difficult grape to master its growth. Many wineries take years to perfect this growing method. Only cooler climates with misty breezes will suffice for its delicate maturity. It is grown in many countries like Australia, Switzerland, Canada, Argentina, Germany, Mexico, Czech Republic, United States and more. But it is famous from Bourgogne.

This area in France is a two mile wide, thirty mile long stretch of hills. The hills slope towards the east giving the vines long sun exposure with less afternoon heat. The soil also contributes to its consistent success with high calcium carbonate allowing it to drain well. These factors assists ripening and more flavor. This wine has a rich light bodied flavor that feels like smooth silk on your palate almost like a velvety texture.

It is a high alcohol wine ranging from eleven percent to fourteen percent alcohol. Its color is a medium to dark ruby red color. It is recommended to drink your Pinot Noirs at a young age but some are better aged. The average peak of a Pinot Noir is five to eight years after the vintage. This is due to the that is prone to happen which causes the aromas and flavors to dissolve. The aroma of a typical Pinot is light and fruity.

If the grape is extra ripe you may get a peppermint y or black cherry aroma. Some smells are also described as ripe tomato, mushrooms, or barnyard. A really good dish to serve the Pinot is a medium rare plain cut of roast beef. Since the grape became popular in France the French chefs created dishes based on the wine. They created Coq au Vin which is a chicken cooked wine and Boeuf Bourginon and Cassoulet.

Others foods like roasted or braised lamb, pheasant, duck, and meaty fish are excellent food combinations with the wine. Since it is a light bodied wine the dishes should be lightly seasoned with simple and rich flavors. Nothing too spicy, the extra spices could bring out the already high alcohol content and cover any other delicate flavors in the dish. I have observed that the Pinot Noir industry has increased in sales over recent years. It has become a light wine that is versatile on the table as well as by itself. Since it is low in tannins it appeals to a wider range of people.

Thanks to the slopes and cool weather of Bourgogne, France we as Americans can enjoy this aromatic smooth flavorful wine.

Bibliography

Pinot Noir, Professional Friends of Wine. web 3/7/2005. Pinot Noir, Wine Shopper's Guide. web.