Stage 2
Grape Varieties
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a black grape, which is light in colour with low levels of tannin. It prefers a cool to moderate climate and is very fussy about where it will grow. Most wines made from this grape should be consumed when youthful although these wines can be drunk at all stages of their development. Because of the soft tannins it is an easy wine to drink and does not need time in bottle to evolve. However the best examples can age and these wines develop great complexity with age. They are usually aged in oak however, the wine needs to be carefully vinified as toast and vanilla notes imparted by the oak can easily overpower the wine.
Cool to moderate Climate – such as Burgundy in France, Oregon in North America and Central Otago in New Zealand produce wines with a red fruit character of strawberry, raspberry and cherry with vegetal and animal nuances. If the climate is too cool the grape can have difficulty ripening.
Hot climate – such as parts of Australia it tends to lose its delicate flavours and can be jammy and cooked.