The most important facts about the Diolinoir variety at a glance
- Diolinoir is a new variety of Rouge de Diolly and Pinot Noir, which was created by the Swiss André Jaquinet from Agroscope Changins Wädenswil (ACW) in Pully in 1970.
- It is cultivated on 4,675 hectares of vineyards in Switzerland, of which just over 100 hectares are in Valais
- The grape variety produces a deep, dark red wine with typical varietal aromas of black berries and cherries and fine tannins. A smooth, full-bodied and harmonious wine that is particularly popular with the younger generation of wine drinkers.
History and development of the Diolinoir vine
Origin of the grape variety and its relationship to Pinot Noir
The Diolinoir grape variety was bred in 1970 and is a cross between Rouge de Diolly (Robin Noir) and Pinot Noir. Diolinoir was initially registered under the name “4 – 42”, but was then renamed Diolinoir. André Jaquinet from Agroscope Changins Wädenswil (ACW) in Pully developed the grape variety through fertilization.
Characteristics of the Diolinoir grape: growth, ripeness and yield
Intense coloring and concentrated structure
The Diolinoir grape is medium-sized, elongated and compact. Medium vigorous on the vine and very resistant to disease, Diolinoir ripens at the same time as Pinot Noir and Gamay.
The variety with the subtle bouquet is known for its intense dark red color and concentrated structure. It owes both to its parents, as the wine has the beautiful fruit and noblesse of Pinot Noir on the one hand and the strength, color and structure of the no longer existing Rouge de Diolly on the other.
The nose and palate present varietal aromas of black berries and cherries with fine tannins. Overall, a smooth, full-bodied and harmonious red wine.
Good conditions for the modern grape variety
The Diolinoir grape is known to be very adaptable and to thrive very well in different climatic zones and on different types of soil. To fully develop its aroma and flavor, the Diolinoir grape variety requires an excellent ripening process.
In good locations, Diolinoir produces a fine, full-bodied red wine with an intense color and good tannin content. Moderate extraction followed by ageing in barriques produces powerful red wines with mild, well-integrated tannins.
Diolinoir in Swiss wine production
Diolinoir is a young blue grape variety that was developed to meet the needs of the Swiss wine industry. It has great potential with winegrowers, as the grape ripens well in our latitudes and brings with it a concentrated structure that is complemented by tannins and a beautiful intensity of color.
