Pinot Black from Alsace
The Black Pinot from Burgundy, is the only red grape variety authorized in Alsace. Primarily intended primarily for the development of light and fruity wines, Pinot Black is increasingly vinified in red, somehow resurrecting an ancient tradition. Largely present in the AOC Alsace, it is also used for the development of Crémant of Alsace white black and Crémants Rosés.
History
Even though Alsace is known for its white wines, many documents relating to inventories of abbey cellars and to wine tithes collected by the Church in the Middle Ages, report considerable amounts of red wine. Among the 40 varieties used in that time, the Black Pinot featured prominently. Curiously decline of this production is primed at the end of the sixteenth century and only a few Alsatian villages preserved the tradition of red wines (Ottrott, Saint Leonard, Boersch, Saint Hippolyte, Rodern, Marlenheim ...). So what many now regard as a novelty is in reality a legacy of the past that is becoming increasingly popular.
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Tasting
Alsatian Pinot Black has always been a light and fresh wine with aromas of cherry, raspberry and blackberry, and soft tannins. Yet it is increasingly aged in oak barrels, producing a deep and robust wine, the intense color and aromas reminiscent of ripe fruits or leather ...
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Food and wine
Black Pinot rosé (or light red ), dry, delicately fruity and served chilled, is popular around the country people buffets and picnics offering meats, grills and salads.
The red Pinot Black, longer fermentation, possibly aged in oak barrels, is a full-bodied and balanced wine that meets a growing success. Red meat and game are calling these Pinots Noirs red Alsace, the beautiful dark color and intense aromas of cherry.
More generally, Alsace Pinot Noirs go well with white meats and poultry, certain cheeses, and because red wines of Alsace are not too tannic, why not combine the fish!
It would be a shame to forget certain dishes of the cuisine without borders: tabbouleh , couscous and lamb tagine are some specialties that appreciate to be served in his company. We should also mention the desserts too sweet chocolate or red fruit plates who appreciate its flavors!
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Ampelography
Leaf
Medium, orbicular, dark green, thick, funnel, slightly burned. Ogival teeth averages.
Cluster
Small, cylindrical, compact.
Berry
Small, spherical or slightly ovoid, bluish black or dark purple. Thin film, rich in coloring matters.
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In the Vineyards
The Black Pinot is suitable for temperate zones. He speaks great on clay-limestone soils. If one seeks to develop powerful wines, it requires low yields, perfectly healthy, good ripeness and careful vinification to express its fruit and elegance. The wines are seductive and much appreciated when young, but some have a surprising development potential.