Pinot Noir is responsible for some of the world’s finest wines. Famed for producing the red wines of Burgundy and the Côte d’Or in particular, it is now widely grown in cool climates across Califonia and Oregon, and with increasing success in New Zealand. Although typically used to produce varietal wines, Pinot Noir makes a significant contribution in the wines of Champagne, where it is vinified as a white wine and blended with Cardonnay and Pinot Meunier. On the whole, fresh summer fruit of strawberries, raspberries and red cherries tend to be the identifying qualities, however richer versions express darker fruit including black cherries (kirsch), cherry cola, leather and violets to name a few.
The Languedoc and Roussillon are two adjoining but distinctly separate wine regions in southern France. The Languedoc consists of two main regions: The Aude, home to the sub-regions of Limoux, Corbieres, Fitou, Minervois, and the Herault, which includes Picpoul de Pinet and the vin doux naturels producing regions of Banyuls, Frontignan, Lunel and Mireval.
The history of Vin de Pays d'Oc wines can be traced back to the 5th century, when the Greeks planted the first vineyards near Narbonne. Along with parts of Provence, these are considered to be France’s oldest vineyards. Despite being an important winemaking center for centuries, the region is often considered the “new world” region of France. The region has been undergoing a quality revolution over the last 20 years, particularly since much of its wines became part of the AOC system. With 740,300 acres of vineyards — approximately one third of the country’s vineyards and wine production — the region is three times the size of Bordeaux and the world’s largest vineyard area. The region is known for medium- to full-bodied reds, dry rosés, dry and sparkling white wines and sweet red and white wines. It is home to numerous grape varieties including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The traditional Rhône grapes of Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Viognier are also prominent here.
Red wine is wine made from dark-coloured grape varieties. The color of red differs based on the grapes variety or varieties used.Interestingly, black grapes yield a juice that is greenish-white. The actual red color comes from anthocyan pigments (also called anthocyanins) from the skin of the grape (exceptions are the relatively uncommon teinturier varieties, which produce a red colored juice). Most of the production centers around the extraction of color and flavor from the grape skin.
