The Future of Pinot Noir Wines: Emerging Regions
As Pinot Noir becomes an increasingly popular red wine, sommeliers are on the lookout for the best wines and exciting regions to explore. Chile's Curicó Valley is one of the most promising new regions for Pinot Noir grapes. With its alluvial soils rich in minerals and cool climate, the Curicó Valley is ideal for growing high-quality Pinot Noir.
This region is also home to many small, family-owned wineries that are experimenting with new techniques and styles that are health-conscious and environmentally responsible with aromas and flavor profiles of black cherry, Red Berries, and White Pepper.
The Curicó Valley: Chile's Newest Pinot Noir Region
The Curicó Valley is a relatively new region for growing Pinot Noir grapes but is quickly competing with the Russian River Valley is gaining popularity for its moderate tannins and acidity with a long finish.
Other New World Pinot Noir Regions on The Rise
As the world of wine continues to evolve, so too do the regions that are known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir. While Burgundy France and Napa Valley in California have long been considered the perennial leaders in Pinot Noir production, new regions are emerging as top producers of this wine varietal.
- The Willamette Valley in Oregon, USA: The Willamette Valley is one of the most important wine regions in the United States, and it is also becoming increasingly well-known for its Chardonnay and great Pinot Noir wines. The Willamette Valley has a diverse range of soil types and microclimates, which means that wineries here can produce a wide range of different styles from medium-bodied biodynamic natural wines to traditional estate pinot noirs.
- Central Otago in New Zealand: Central Otago is the southernmost wine region in the world, and it is also one of the most scenic. Central Otago is known for its dry climate and rocky soils, which make it an ideal region for producing high-quality Pinot Noir wines.
- Mendoza in Argentina: Malbec put Argentina front and center on the world stage of wine but just like all fine estate vineyards it would appear a second act is at play with the southern region of Patagonia, the Río Negro and Neuquén provinces producing some of the best pinot noirs.
Choosing a Pinot Noir wine can be a daunting task, with so many factors to consider and so many excellent wines to choose from. But by taking the time to understand the different characteristics of Pinot Noir wines, you can narrow down your choices and find a wine that you will love.”
How to Choose a Pinot Noir Wine
The first step is to understand the different types of Pinot Noir wines. Pinot Noir wines can be classified according to their region of origin and age.
Region: The climate and soil (terroir) of the region where the grapes are grown play a big role in the final flavor of the wine. Pinot Noir wines from cool climates tend to be lighter in body and have a higher acidity, while those from warmer climates are usually fuller-bodied with softer tannins.
Age: Age also plays a role in the flavor of Pinot Noir wines. Younger wines are typically fruitier and brighter, while older wines are more complex and mellow.
Traditional Aromas and Flavor Profiles
Burgundy: a counterpoint of subtle floral perfume and a more earthy base note reminiscent of mushrooms, french oak, and forest floor.
California:
Anderson Valley- baking spice, red cherry, and stone fruit flavors.
Santa Barbara- Rose Petals, Dark fruity notes of Pomegranate, and Blackberry.
Sonoma County: Cranberry, Currant, and Cherry Blossom with balanced acidity.
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir the proximity to the cool Pacific Ocean, winemakers produce notes of red fruit, nectarine, and low tannins from their thin skins.
Migration Patterns of a beloved Varietal
The origin of Pinot Noir is in France Burgundy, Champagne, Sancerre and Alsace. Winemakers have migrated to other countries like Italy, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, in South Africa. In the United States, this grape is grown in cool climate areas of California, Oregon, and Washington. So, as you might also guess, the style and aromas vary wildly, but we hope to encourage you to try these glorious wines and start
Mai Vino Pinot Noir
Mai Vino was founded by two women who wanted to make vegan wine more accessible and to bring the knowledge of vegan wines to the public. While traditional winemaking is steeped in tradition that uses animal biproducts, modern techniques have made these practices obsolete. We also welcome you to try our Pinot Noir and see for yourself how this wine pleases the senses and just happens to be great for animals and the environment through simple changes in winemaking.
