Pinot Noir in general

One of the more recent trends in the world of wine, is the increase in the popularity for pinot noir. It seems that the market has responded to the customers yearning for more flavoursome, younger drinking wines. Often this has come at the expense of its alcoholic content. Remember, alcohol is created from the fermentation of sugars in the grape juice, so if we do not ferment these all, then some sugar is left in the wine, which softens it and makes it more fruity. The name, comes from the French words for pine, and black. It is believed that the word for pine is in relation to the growth of the grapes in shapes very similar to pine cones. The vines ...  Read the complete review

Once upon a time there was a grape. It's been reported as being used in 14th Century Burgunday, and folklore takes it even further back to Roman Gaul. It's a grape that has travelled widely, has been there and seen it all. Due to it's age though it's not had an easy time – it is susceptible to disease, poor thing, and there are many mutations and clones. There is a treatment for the disease due to genetic work, but this hinders the quality and taste. It hates frosts, rain, excess sunshine and heat and autumn coolness, so it's pretty much stuffed all year round. It could certainly never grow in this country. It is grown in Burgundy ...  Read the complete review