Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of red wine grape: "Pinot noir" is the name of a specific red grape variety, known for being difficult to cultivate but producing high-quality wines.
   • A wine made from this grape: "Pinot noir" also refers to the red wine produced from the Pinot noir grape, typically lighter in color and body than other red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Grape):
  • The Pinot noir grape is thin-skinned and sensitive to its growing environment.
  • This vineyard specializes in growing Pinot noir and Chardonnay.
• Noun (Wine):
  • We ordered a bottle of Oregon Pinot noir to pair with the salmon.
  • This Pinot noir has aromas of cherry, raspberry, and earth.

Advanced Usage

• As a varietal designation: On a wine label, "Pinot Noir" indicates the wine is made primarily from that grape variety.
  • The label clearly stated it was a 100% Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley.

Variants and Related Words

• Pinot: Often used as a shortened, informal reference to Pinot noir (or other Pinot varieties like Pinot Gris).
  • "What are you drinking?" "Just a glass of Pinot."
• Burgundy: While not a synonym, red Burgundy wine from France is made exclusively from the Pinot noir grape, so the terms are often associated.
  • He prefers the elegance of a good Burgundy (Pinot noir) over a powerful Bordeaux blend.

Synonyms

• Red Burgundy: Specifically for Pinot noir wines from the Burgundy region of France.
• Spätburgunder: The German name for the Pinot noir grape and wine.

Related Phrases

• Pinot noir grape: Explicitly specifies the fruit, not the wine.
  • The cool climate is ideal for the Pinot noir grape.
• Made from Pinot noir: Describes the wine's composition.
  • The sparkling wine was made from Pinot noir and Chardonnay grapes.

Noun

1. dry red California table wine made from purple Pinot grapes
2. red wine grape; grown especially in California for making wines resembling those from Burgundy, France