Pinot Noir

[Farmalance]

What seem to be optimal growing conditions for pinot noir? Is that the name of the grape variety? It also appears to be a wine that is romping along with the merlot success - is that so? I also have read that it can be a particularly tricky grape to grow to produce wine of a top end quality. Any help would be welcomed.
Best regards
Lance

[Innkeeper]

Yes pinot noir is a grape. It is the primary grape in a family of grapes that come it different colors; pinot blanc, pinot gris (grigio), and others. Pinot noir, a red grape, is the primary grape in the Burgundy region of France. That region is cool and sparce, and those are the best conditions to grow it. It is difficult to grow. Though gaining in popularity in some quarters, it is hardly romping along with the merlot success. Syrah (shiraz) could better be described that way.

[winoweenie]

Pinot has become very popular here in the states and plantings are increasing yearly. So far the cooler Carneros region of Napa, the Russian River Valley of Sonoma are good producers in California and some especially fine wines are coming from Oregon from this varietal. Before Bucko slaps my hand ...also some nice pinots from Washington. WW

[lipwig]

I would argue that (besides Bordeaux) the Willamette Valley in Oregon is the best example of a climate suited for the Pinot Noir Grape (or Gris for that matter).

Lipwig

[lipwig]

Er, that was Burgandy, not Bordeaux.

Lipwig

[Bucko]

There are good Pinots from WA? I'll agree with you on OR, but not WA.

Like any other grape, Pinot Noir CAN be grown almost anywhere. That does not mean that it SHOULD be grown in certain areas. That is where the arguments begin -- typicity vs. winemaker expression. I personally go for typicity but there is room for everyone.

I like Pinots from OR and the cooler regions of CA.