Pinot Noir

[Pee-noe Nwahr] One of the worlds best varietals, this varietal heralds originally from Burgundy in France, this classic red grape has proven difficult to grow elsewhere in the world. In South Africa, increasingly the quality and popularity of locally grown and produced wines is growing. The difficulties with growing this varietal ranges from the vineyard to the bottling. In the Pinot Noir vineyard it is susceptible to every known affliction of the vine. Genetically it is also unstable with the offspring of a parent vine often bearing fruit that is nothing like that of the original plant. It needs to be watched carefully when ripening and needs to be picked promptly as they otherwise dry out quickly. Furthermore it has difficulties in fermenting as the process is violent and often bubbles up and out of its container. Colour preservation is also a problem due its thin skinned berries. Sometimes it promises aromas and flavours it displays through fermentation and aging as soon as it is bottled. Taking all these factors into account it is only the determined and careful winemaker that can successfully grow this wine to its full potential. At its peak this wine shows remarkable complexity where aromas and flavours are wide ranging. From gorgeous fruity flavours such as cherry, strawberry, raspberry and tomato to floral notes of rose and violet, other flavours one may experience the spiciness of rosemary, cinnamon and peppermint or herbs like oregano, beet, green tea and black olive.