Spätburgunder
This is one of the most difficult grapes to cultivate, because of its demands for a certain (cool) climate, soil composition and growing conditions. But if all the conditions are met, the best red wines in the world can be made. The Pinot Noir grape, also known as Spätburgunder in wines from Germany, with its softness, subtlety and fruitiness, is nerly opposite to the rigidity and power of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The colour of pinot noir wines is much lighter than that of wines made from most other blue grapes.
Taste
Typical of pinot noir wines is the sheer fruitiness, in which red fruit (raspberry, strawberry) predominates. In addition, floral elements (violet, rose) and in the older (matured) wines earthy and animal tones like leather and truffle can become present.
Other
The best Pinot Noir wines are from Burgundy, and the better wines are matured in wood. In Burgundy, the climatic conditions and the soil (terroir) are optimal. But also from New Zealand and the United States (among others Oregon) Pinot Noir wines can be excellent. These areas have a climate similar to that of Burgundy. Wines of the Pinot Noir grape can ripen for a very long time, provided that the wines are made for longer maturation.
