Pinot Noir is one of the most famous and revered grape varieties in the world. Its name is derived from the French words “pin” (pine) and “noir” (black), due to the shape of the bunches, which resembles a pine cone. This variety is known for its ability to reflect the terroir – a combination of climatic and soil conditions of the growing region, which gives Pinot Noir wines their unique flavor characteristics.

Pinot Noir wine history
Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grape varieties, with a history dating back more than 2000 years. Its origin is associated with the Burgundy region of France, where this variety is considered the basis of winemaking. The name of the variety comes from the French words “pin” (“pine”) and “noir” (“black”), which is associated with the shape of bunches resembling a pine cone.
Mentions of Pinot Noir are found in documents dating back to the XIV century. Already in the Middle Ages, monks in Burgundy scrutinized vineyards and identified the best areas for growing this variety. These lands, known as “climes”, still define the unique characteristics of Burgundy wines.
The Pinot Noir variety also became the basis for the production of the famous Champagne wines of the Champagne region. Later, in the XIX-XX centuries, the grape spread all over the world, from Germany and Italy to the New World – the USA, New Zealand and Australia.
Properties of Pinot Noir grapes
Pinot Noir is a technical cool-loving grape variety characterized by:
- Thin berry skins, making the variety particularly sensitive to climatic and soil conditions.
- Small, dense bunches, the shape of which resembles a pine cone.
- Sensitivity to diseases and fungi, because of which its cultivation requires considerable effort.
This variety perfectly captures the terroir – the combination of the natural conditions of the region, including climate, soil and topography.

The geography of Pinot Noir grapes
Although Pinot Noir is native to Burgundy, it is grown in many wine regions around the world:
- France: In addition to Burgundy, Pinot Noir is cultivated in Champagne for sparkling wines, as well as in Alsace.
- Germany: Here the variety is known as Spätburgunder and is grown in the Palatinate, Rheingessen, Württemberg and Rheingau regions.
- Italy: In Italy, Pinot Noir is called Pinot Nero and can be found in the Alto Adige, Lombardy and Tuscany regions.
- USA: California and Oregon produce high quality Pinot Noir wines, especially in cooler climates.
- New Zealand: The country’s South Island is known for its elegant wines made from this variety.
- Republic of Moldova: central and northern regions.

Characteristics of Pinot Noir wine
Pinot Noir wines have unique and complex flavor characteristics that make them among the most exquisite:
- Aromatic profile
- Notes of red berries: cherries, raspberries, strawberries.
- Earthy hints: mushrooms, damp earth, leaves.
- Floral aromas: violet, rose.
- More complex notes appear in aged wines: leather, tobacco, smoke, truffles.
- Structure
- Light color, from ruby red to garnet.
- High acidity and low tannin content, making the wines soft and elegant.
- Medium alcohol content (12-14%).
- Aging potential
- The best Pinot Noir wines, especially those from Burgundy, can age for decades, developing multifaceted aromas and flavors.
Quality and characteristics of Moldovian Pinot Noir.
Moldovan Pinot Noir wines are often characterized by a higher strength, up to 14%, which is due to the peculiarities of the grape harvest and climate. Wines of this variety in Moldova can be fuller and more intense compared to their French counterparts, which are usually characterized by subtlety and elegance.
You can convince yourself of this by trying Carlevana Renessance Pinot Noir and our excellent kosher Pinot Noir.
Conclusion
Pinot Noir is a grape for true connoisseurs, reflecting the richness of the terroir and the skill of the winemaker. Its subtle aroma, complex flavor and tremendous aging potential make it one of the most revered varieties in the world. Whether grown in Burgundy, California or Moldova, Pinot Noir red dry wines are always unique and attract the attention of gourmets and collectors.