Definition

Noun: 1. A type of grape used for winemaking: "Pinot grape" refers to any of several specific varieties of Vitis vinifera grapes, known for their thin skins and tight clusters. These grapes are primarily used to produce high-quality wines, most famously Burgundy and Champagne. 2. The source of specific wine styles: The term denotes the grape varieties that are the essential raw material for wines labeled as Pinot Noir (red), Pinot Gris/Grigio (white/gray), and Pinot Blanc (white), as well as a key component in traditional Champagne.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Pinot grape is notoriously difficult to grow due to its susceptibility to disease.
  • This vineyard specializes in cultivating the Pinot grape for sparkling wine production.
  • The delicate flavor of the Pinot grape is highly influenced by its terroir.

Advanced Usage

• "Pinot" as shorthand: In viticultural and winemaking contexts, "Pinot" is often used alone to refer to the Pinot grape family.
  • Pinot is one of the oldest grape varieties in cultivation.

Variants and Related Words

• Pinot Noir (n): A red wine, or the specific black-skinned grape variety used to make it.
  • Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine.
• Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio (n): A white (or gray-skinned) grape variety and the wine produced from it. "Gris" is the French term, while "Grigio" is Italian.
  • She prefers a French Pinot Gris over an Italian Pinot Grigio.
• Pinot Blanc (n): A white grape variety and wine, a genetic mutation of Pinot Noir.
  • The Pinot Blanc offers crisp apple flavors.
• Pinotage (n): A red grape variety created in South Africa by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsaut.
  • Pinotage is a signature grape of South Africa.

Synonyms

• Wine grape: A general term for grapes cultivated for winemaking.
• Vitis vinifera: The scientific species name for the common European grapevine, which includes the Pinot family.

Related Phrases

• Burgundy grape: A contextual synonym, as Pinot Noir is the primary red grape of France's Burgundy region.
  • Pinot Noir is the quintessential Burgundy grape.
• Champagne grape: A contextual term, as Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay are the three grapes permitted in traditional Champagne.
  • Pinot Noir is a crucial Champagne grape for providing structure.

Noun

1. any of several purple or white wine grapes used especially for Burgundies and champagnes