Introduction: Pinot Noir red wines
This wine is of course just one of many excellent Valais red wines that we have in our range. In our online store you will also find a large selection of white wines, rosé wines, sparkling wines and digestifs.
If you are looking for a gift, we recommend the various tasting boxes from our gift service, for example, or a gift voucher, which gives the recipient a free choice in our online shop.
The most important facts at a glance
Pinot Noir is one of the oldest and most important red wine grape varieties and is not considered a noble grape for nothing. The grape has been known in Burgundy in France since the 4th century, which is why Burgundy is also considered the cradle of Pinot Noir. The grape variety, also known as Blauburgunder, Spätburgunder, Schwarzburgunder or Klevner, is widespread worldwide. Among the red grape varieties, it ranks 6th behind Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Syrah / Shiraz and Garnacha Tinta with just under 87,000 hectares under cultivation.
The Pinot Noir grape is considered a very sensitive variety, not least thanks to its thin skin. It also reacts very sensitively to different terroirs, i.e. the smallest differences in the composition of the soil or the climate determine the quality of Pinot Noir wines. The Valais, with its wine region around Salgesch, is one of the best Pinot Noir terroirs. The soils are calcareous to extremely calcareous. Pinot Noir is the dominant grape variety here: Over 30 wineries plant 70 percent of the 203 hectares with Pinot Noir.
Salgesch is therefore proud of its unique terroir and was the first municipality to introduce the requirements of the “Grand Cru” label in Valais for the Pinot Noir grape variety – an additional guarantee of quality. With a vineyard area of around 4,000 hectares, it is also the most widely cultivated variety in Switzerland.
Origin, origins & significance of the Pinot Noir grape variety
The Pinot Noir grape probably originates from the area between Geneva in Switzerland and France, where it has helped the Burgundy wine-growing region to achieve worldwide fame. The grape variety is considered a specialty and, with an age of over 2,000 years, is one of the oldest grape varieties of all. It is still not exactly clear how the Pinot Noir grape originated. Both a natural cross between Schwarzriesling and Traminer is possible, as well as an almost direct line of descent from a wild vine.
What is certain, however, is that Pinot Noir began its worldwide success story from Burgundy. Although the grape prefers a cool to moderate climate and is often referred to as a diva in the wine world, today it is cultivated and developed into some excellent red wines in France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Portugal, the USA, Chile, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. With around 87,000 hectares under cultivation, this red wine variety is one of the ten most important grape varieties in the world. The grape probably owes its name “Pinot” to the elongated shape of the Pinot grape. This looks very similar to the cone of a pine tree, which is called a “pin” in France. On the other hand, it is assumed that the name “Burgundy”, which is widely used in German-speaking countries, refers to the fact that the grape variety found its way from France to Germany in the 18th century.
Characteristics of the Pinot Noir grape: growth, ripeness and yield
The cone-shaped Pinot Noir grapes of medium size grow very densely and ripen medium-late. Early and good sites with deep, warm, medium-heavy and fertile soils with a good water supply are particularly suitable for a high-quality red wine. This frost-prone variety requires very sensitive handling by the winegrower due to the thin skin of the fruit.
The skin of the Pinot Noir grape variety contains many color pigments, which give this wine an intense color in the case of cold maceration – the more modern variant of vinification of this red wine. Ageing in oak barrels is atypical, as it could mask the intense fruit. Today, Pinot Noir is mainly cultivated as a single variety and is also used as one of three grape varieties in the production of Champagne.
Taste profile of Pinot Noir: expressive aromas, medium tannins and high acidity
The Pinot Noir grape is one of the varieties that primarily produce light red wines. The nose reveals an intense bouquet of an abundance of red fruits such as red cherry, strawberries and notes of raspberries, but floral, spicy and earthy notes as well as nuances of mushroom are also possible.
Depending on the growing region, Pinot Noir red wines tend to be leaner, i.e. with less alcohol and a light to medium body, such as in Valais or Burgundy. Pinot Noir wines with riper fruit aromas and a significantly higher alcohol content as well as a fuller body come mainly from overseas.
Pinot Noir and food: The best combinations
A Pinot Noir red wine is almost an all-rounder in the kitchen as an accompaniment to dishes. It is one of the types of wine that enhances aperitifs, poultry dishes and dishes with veal and pork. A Pinot Noir also shines with Mediterranean pasta dishes or pizza. And at the height of summer, thanks to its light to medium body (because it has less alcohol), it is also a delight when served slightly chilled and goes perfectly with dishes of roasted or braised meat.
Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir, why wine lovers swear by this grape
Whether it is the irresistible scent of red fruit that spreads beguilingly in the wine glass or the expressive fruit. When wine lovers come across the name Pinot Noir, their eyes start to sparkle and their hearts begin to beat faster. If the grape variety finds the right soil in the right location with optimal conditions, and if the winemaker has the right touch, then products of unique quality with great ageing potential are created. Even though every vintage is available from Diego Mathier on this page in the online store as a 37.5 cl bottle, Pinot Noir lovers prefer the 75 cl bottle. Better shelf life and more drinking pleasure are just two decisive reasons for opting for the larger bottle. In this context, it should be mentioned that selected wines from Diego Mathier are also available in magnum bottles.
Our Pinot Noir wine recommendation
Please insert the store elements here. The Pinot Noir wines from Diego Mathier are available in both 50 cl and 75 cl bottles. You will find a large selection of first-class products from this grape variety on this website in the online store. Some of these wines have won several international awards.
Interesting facts about Pinot Noir
Here is an overview of important facts about the Pinot Noir grape variety.
Which grape variety is Pinot Noir?
In Germany, Pinot Noir is synonymous with Pinot Noir and is considered the most important red grape variety there. Winegrowers occasionally also like to use the term Blauer Spätburgunder. The use of the French designation of origin is also becoming increasingly popular among German winegrowers.
Is Pinot Noir a light wine?
Pinot Noir prefers a cool to moderate climate. Depending on the wine-growing region, Pinot Noir red wines are either fruity and light wines or full-bodied and powerful wines.
What is Pinot Noir called in Italy?
Pinot Noir is called Pinot nero in Europe’s largest wine-growing country.
What is the difference between Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir?
The international red grape variety Pinot Noir, also known as Pinot Noir, is often referred to as “the best red grape variety”. This view could be seen as subjective, but in fact a single-varietal Pinot Noir at its best, as found in Burgundy, is hard to beat.
What is Pinot Noir called in German?
There are many synonyms for Pinot Noir in circulation around the world, including Klevner, Pinot Nero, Schwarzburgunder and Blauburgunder. The German synonym Spätburgunder is derived from the Burgundy region of origin and mainly refers to the somewhat later ripening period compared to Frühburgunder.
Is Pinot Noir the same as Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir and Pinot Noir refer to the same grape variety, from which one of the world’s most famous red wines is made.
Is a Pinot Noir dry?
Pinot Noir wines are usually vinified dry, i.e. all the sugar has been fermented into alcohol during fermentation.
Which Pinot Noir is the best?
Every growing region in the world has its best Pinot Noir. In Switzerland, Salgesch is considered the Pinot Noir wine village par excellence. The Pinot Noir “L’Ambassadeur de Diego Mathier AOC Valais” is one of the best Pinot Noir red wines and was recently awarded the world champion title of Gran Maestro at the Mondial des Pinots.
