Pinot Noir

Among the Pinot grape varieties, Pinot Noir is undisputedly the most sublime. Many fantastic Champagne as well as the famous Burgundy wines are closely associated with this grape variety, then as now. The original home of this grape variety is probably Burgundy. In German-speaking countries, this grape variety is known as Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Morillon Noir and Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir accounts for around 37% of the vines grown for Champagne. This grape variety dominates the flanks of the Côte des Bars and Montagne de Reims. The areas around Ay, Bouzy, Mailly, Hautvillers and Verzenay, for example, produce excellent Blanc de Noirs Champagnes from the Pinot Noir grape variety.

The proportion of Pinot Meunier vines grown in Champagne is 37%. This grape variety is particularly common in the Vallée de la Marne, Aisne and Côte de Bar. As the name suggests, this grape variety is a relative of the Pinot Noir grape variety. Similar to Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier is well equipped to withstand the harsh climatic conditions that occasionally prevail in Champagne, such as frost, especially as it flowers late and ripens relatively early.

The Pinot Noir loves dry, light, chalky soil and a cool climate. It therefore feels particularly at home in Champagne and Burgundy, especially on south-facing slopes. Pinot Noir is ideally suited to the changeable climate of Champagne, as it tolerates even severe weather conditions. Pinot Noir is also the first grape variety in Champagne to come to life in spring.

This grape variety gives the wine strength and fullness. The flavour is reminiscent of fruits such as pears, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, apples and sometimes even bananas.

 

 

 

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