Pinot Noir

Identity in VIVC

VIVC lists Pinot Noir under variety number 9279, with Pinot Noir as the prime name, black berry skin and France as the country of origin.¹ It has one of the longest synonym lists in the catalogue: 447 names, including Arbst, Auvernat Noir, Augustiner and Beaujolais.¹

Pedigree and family

In the field "pedigree confirmed by markers" VIVC gives "? × Savagnin Blanc": Savagnin is one parent, the other is not identified.¹ Pinot in turn appears as a parent of other sparkling-wine grapes. Bowers et al. (1999) found that Chardonnay, Gamay, Aligoté and Melon are consistent with descent from Pinot × Gouais Blanc.³ VIVC also records Meunier and Pinot Gris as mutations of Pinot Noir, confirmed by markers.^4,5

In Champagne

Pinot Noir is a principal variety in the Champagne cahier des charges.⁶ Comité Champagne puts it at 38% of the area under vine, without a reference year, and writes that "it endows Champagne wines with body, punch and structure".²

With Chardonnay (31%) and Meunier (31%), the three main grapes cover almost the whole Champagne vineyard; the other authorised varieties account for 0.3%.²

Other sparkling appellations

In Prosecco the grape is the only route to a rosé: the rules fix both the Pinot Nero share and the requirement that it be vinified red.⁸

The Crémant rules are quoted from INAO draft amendments published for national opposition.