Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir Arguably the World's most fickle grape variety, Pinot Noir is the Holy Grail of the wine World. It is notoriously difficult variety to cultivate, preferring warm, but not overly hot, and dry climates. The most famous examples come from Burgundy in France, but Pinot Noir also does well in New Zealand, Oregon, parts of California and of course Romania, which is recognised for making fruit-driven Pinots of excellent value for money.

Pinot Noir is widely grown in most of Romania's vineyards, particularly in the top regions of Dealu Mare and Murfatlar. Grapes reach full maturity towards mid-September and the average must-weight at harvest is 206-226 g/l. Yields are low, especially in Minis (4.5 tonnes/hectare) and Murfatlar (6.4 tonnes), reaching 9 tonnes/hectare in Valea Calugareasca. In particular, areas planted with Pinot Noir include Prahova, Buzau, Oltenia, Dobrogea and in the west of the country, while in Vrancea it is used as a base for semi-sparkling rose.