Join Us & Get Wine 101 Course 75% Off

Pinot’s Little Secret

 

Pictured: How Red Wine is Made Wine Folly Poster.

Whole Cluster What?

Pinot Noir is one of the main grapes that undergoes Whole Cluster Fermentation to add structure and complexity. But what exactly is this semi-secret technique that winemakers use?

Learn More

Wine Quiz

Which aroma is often associated with Whole Cluster Fermentation in Pinot Noir?

  1. Tropical Fruit Flavors
  2. Vanilla Undertones
  3. Spicy Notes
  4. Baked Blackberry

Scroll down to find out!

Pictured: Page 150 of The Master Guide.

The Heartbreaker

Did you know Pinot Noir is affectionately known as the ‘heartbreak grape’ due to its notoriously difficult cultivation? Dive into the riveting saga of this high-maintenance, yet incredibly rewarding and complex, variety.

Explore Pinot Noir

Pinot’s Second Home

Do you love Pinot Noir? Who doesn’t? The homeland of Pinot Noir is Burgundy, but there’s another cool cat in town that is vying for the Pinot Noir Crown.

Watch Video

Pictured: Map of Burgundy and Pinot Noir Villages from French Wine 201

Pinot’s Home Turf

Want more confidence in buying Pinot Noir from Burgundy? This guide includes maps, infographics, and the essential facts on Burgundy’s five major sub-regions.

Learn More

Wine Quiz Answer

Answer – #3: Spicy Notes

Whole cluster fermentation refers to the practice of fermenting entire bunches of grapes, including the stems. In Pinot Noir winemaking, this method can create a more complex wine with heightened tannin structure and distinct flavors.

Specifically, a wine produced with a significant proportion of whole clusters often showcases an intriguing “peppery spice” note, adding another layer to the traditional red fruit flavors associated with Pinot Noir.


Join Our Newsletter

Jumpstart your wine education and subscribe to the Wine Folly newsletter right now. Always awesome. Always free.

sign up free