Prince Edward County is known for Pinot Noir because of the climate and the soil. Chances are, you’ve enjoyed a glass or two of Pinot Noir wine at some point in your life.

But what exactly is Pinot Noir, and where does it come from?

Let’s take a closer look at this classic red wine, highlighting everything from its origins to its taste profile.

So grab a glass of Pinot and read on to learn all about Pinot Noir grapes!

A Brief History of Pinot Noir Grapes

Pinot Noir grapes have been grown in France for centuries.

The grape’s name “Pinot” and “Noir” is French for “Pine” and “Black,” referring to the fact that the small, tightly-clustered berries often turn black as they ripen on the vine.

The fact is Pinot Noir grapes originated from France’s Burgundy region but are now grown all over the world including Canada’s many wine regions, Niagara and Prince Edward County.

The first Pinot Noir grapes to be grown in Prince Edward County were at the Waupoos Winery.

Another fact is some of the most expensive wines you can buy are Pinot Noir wines.

The Domaine Leroy Musigny Grand Cru can cost around USD 32,900.

The most expensive bottle of Pino Noir in Prince Edward County is the 2018 Royal Road Recipe Pinot Noir from Exultet Estates costing $170 CND.

Pinot Noir grapes are an incredibly versatile variety of red or white grape capable of yielding a range of outstanding wines.

While traditionally known for its production of pinot noir red wines, pinot noir grapes can also be used to make a delightful white pinot noir wine.

These pinot noir whites have floral aromas and fruity flavors that are quite different from what we usually expect from a pinot noir and offer something unique for white wine lovers.

Moreover, pinot noir is naturally low in tannins, so it makes for wines that are softer and more delicate than those made with most other red wine grapes.

Overall, whatever color pinot noir you choose to make, the end result is sure to be highly enjoyable!

You may be interested in this article about how many calories are in red wine.

Pinot Noir Taste Notes

The flavor of Pinot Noir wines is typically light-bodied with moderate tannins and acidity.

While the taste of Pinot Noir can vary depending on factors such as the region where it was grown and the type of oak used to age it.

Many pinots feature flavors of cherry, strawberries, and raspberry, and those that have been aged in French oak often develop notes of vanilla and baking spice.

As a result, Pinot Noir is a complex and versatile wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of different foods.

Is Pinot Noir wine bitter?

Yes but just slightly. The bitterness is created from the tannin that can have various levels of bitterness and astringent, meaning it can cause you to pucker.

Most people assume that Pinot Noir is a red wine grape that belongs to the pinot family it must be bitter.

Pinot noir is not considered to be a particularly bitter red wine when compared to stronger reds such as cabernet sauvignon–in fact, it has been described by many as having a smooth and subtle flavor–though this can vary between specific varieties.

Is Pinot Noir red sweet or dry?

The flavor of Pinot Noir can range from sweet to dry, depending on the climate in which it is grown and the amount of time it spends fermenting.

Pinot Noir wines are often characterized by their light color and lack of tannins.

When Pinot Noir grapes are fermented for a shorter period, they tend to retain more of their natural sweetness.

In contrast, Pinot Noir grapes that are fermented for a longer period often result in drier wine.

Is Pinot Noir a light-bodied wine?

Yes. Whether Pinot Noir red wine is sweet or dry, it is typically lighter in the body than other red wines.

Most of the Pinot Noir grown in Prince Edward County will of a lighter body.

With that being said I have found the 2018 Pinot Noir Reserve from Huffs Estate Vineyards to be the lightest I’ve tried here in the county.

What notes does Pinot Noir have?

Pinot Noir is a versatile wine with the most prominent flavors:

• Cherries
• Raspberries

Secondary notes in Pinot Noir:

• Mushroom
• Strawberries
• Oak
• Clove
• Hibiscus
• Earthy Notes

This makes it a great choice for dessert wines, or for enjoying on its own after dinner.

Other varieties can include white pinot noir, rosé pinot noir, and sparkling pinot noir. These also make great after-dinner wines.

Its light body and delicate flavor make it a great choice for poultry and fish dishes, while its earthy notes complement hearty meats and cheeses.

Check out our how-to build a Charcuterie board here in Prince Edward County using local cheese and meats that pair perfectly with Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir also has a fruity side, No matter what you’re pairing it with, Pinot Noir is sure to please.

Types Of Pinot Noir

Pinot noir grapes are used to make red, rosé, white, and sparkling wines.

• The red pinot noir grape is the most common and is used to make red wines.
• The rosé and white pinot noir grapes are less common and are used to make rosé and white wines.
• The sparkling pinot noir grape is the least common and is used to make sparkling wines.

Also, these Pinot noir grapes are used to make dessert wines, such as ice wine.

Did you know that pinot noir grapes can be used to make much more than just red and white wines?

In fact, they are part of the pinot family which includes Pinot Gris, pinot blanc, pinot Meunier, Pinot noir, and sometimes even more obscure varietals.

These different pinots all have their own unique characters; from the sweet and light Pinot Gris to the full-bodied complexity of pinot noir.

Despite being made from pinot noir grapes, each pinot expresses an array of different profiles – be it aromas or flavors.

You may never look at any one bottle of pinot in quite the same way again!

The Red Pinot Noir Grape

This is the most common type of grape used to make pinot noir wine.

The red grape variety has a higher sugar content than the white or rosé varieties, which results in a sweeter, fruitier wine.

The red pinot noir grapes are usually grown in cooler climates, such as Burgundy, France, and now here in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada.

The Rosé and White Pinot Noir Grapes

These grapes are less common than the red variety, but they can be used to make both rosé and white wines.

Rosé wines made with red pinot noir grapes tend to be lighter in color and body than red wines made with red grapes.

White wines made with white or rosé grapes are usually lighter in color and body than red wines made with red grapes.

The Sparkling Pinot Noir Grape

This is the least common type of grape used to make pinot noir wine. Sparkling wines made with this variety are usually light in color and have a lower alcohol content than red or white wines.

Sparkling pinot noirs are typically produced in Champagne, France.

Pinot noir grapes can also be used to make dessert wines, such as ice wine. Ice wine is made by freeze-drying grapes, which concentrate the sugars and results in a sweet, syrupy wine.

Ice wine is typically produced in Germany and Austria.

White pinot noir is a surprisingly complex member of the pinot family.

It’s produced from the red pinot noir grape and offers nuances of complexity that most pinot noir wines don’t provide.

Also referred to as Blanc de Noirs, white pinot noir is a delightful and unique expression of some of the most characteristic grapes in all of wine-making.

Its body is lighter, yet provides zesty notes that can be enjoyable for all types of palates.

Pairings

Pinot Noir wines pair well with a variety of foods, making them a popular choice for both casual and formal dinners.

Whether you’re looking for a wine to pair with your favorite steak or want something to complement a light pasta dish, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice.

For example, earthy Pinot Noirs go well with dishes like Grill steak, mushroom risotto, or roasted chicken.

On the other hand, fruity Pinots pair nicely with salmon or duck.

Do you have a favorite Pinot Noir that you love to drink? Let us know in the comments below!

Why Prince Edward County Pinot Noir?

If you’re a fan of Pinot Noir, or just looking to explore new wines, Prince Edward County is worth a visit.

With so many wineries and vineyards in the area, there’s sure to be one that will offer a wine-tasting experience that meets your needs.

PEC is well-known for its pinot noir grapes which produce a variety of high-quality wines.

PEC pinot noir grapes, both red and white, have a unique character that makes them some of the most sought-after wine grapes by winemakers across the world. In addition to pinot noir, PEC also produces pinot Meunier and pinot Nero grape varieties.

These pinot-style grapes provide an intense aroma and flavor which makes them great for creating bolder styles of wine with complexity and depth. When it comes to producing an excellent red wine grape, PEC is the leader in the wine industry.

And if you find yourself enjoying Pinot Noir from this region, don’t forget to try it with some local fare – PEC is known for its delicious cheeses!

Have you been to any Winery in Prince Edward County?

What was your favorite wine?

Let me know in the comments below.