Native to Burgundy and historically linked to Champagne as well, Pinot Noir is one of the oldest and most distinguished French grape varieties, the progenitor of the Pinot family, from which Pinot Blanc and Pinot Grigio are derived through mutation. In Italy, it is particularly widespread in Trentino-Alto Adige and Lombardy, with significant plantings in Piedmont, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto and certain areas of Tuscany. It thrives in temperate climates, with good exposure and soils that are not overly fertile, producing outstanding wines in hilly and mountainous areas such as South Tyrol and the Oltrepò Pavese.
From an ampelographic point of view, it has a medium-sized, rounded leaf, generally three-lobed, with a thick margin and a slightly downy underside. The bunch is small, compact, cylindrical and often winged; the berry, small to medium in size, has a thin, black-purple skin rich in bloom, whilst the flesh has a simple flavour. The red wine produced is characterised by a brilliant ruby colour, sometimes with more subtle shades, and by delicate aromas of small red fruits, cherry, violet, undergrowth and spices. On the palate, it offers elegance, freshness, delicate tannins and a balanced structure, with a longevity that can become remarkable in the finest expressions. An interesting fact about this grape is its dual versatility: when vinified as a white wine, it contributes to the production of sparkling wine bases of great finesse and ageing potential.