8 Pinot Noir Facts That May Surprise You

                        Salmon screams for Pinot---the varietal is a fabulous choice for fish

Pinot Noir is one of the first red wine grapes to be harvested each season.  The warmer regions in California began picking the varietal a week ago.  In Germany and Burgundy the harvest for Pinot won't occur for another week or two.  Here are some interesting tidbits for all the Pinot lovers during the time of its harvest.

1.  Pinot Noir, a 1000 years older than Cabernet, is one of the oldest wine grapes on the planet.

2.  It has the same DNA as Pinot Blanc & Pinot Grigio---the latter two are simply color mutations of the same grape.

3.  Pinot Noir is one of the parents of Chardonnay.  

4.  Germany is largest producer of Pinot Noir in the world.

5.  Pinot Noir actually means "black pine" in French.  It is named after its pine cone shaped bunches of fruit.

6.  Pinot Noir is more fickle to grow than many other grapes.  Its thin skin is sensitive to the elements and to pests.

7.  All red Burgundy is 100% Pinot Noir.

8.  Pinot Noir is the perfect pairing for food.   It can swing both directions---from seafood and poultry, to red meats.