Pinot Nero
Synonym: Pinot Noir, Auvernat, Blauburgunder,
Pineau, Petit Plant Doré, Franc Noirien, Chambertin, Vert Doré, Schuezir
Riesling, Morillon, Klevner Blau, etc. (France and Switzerland) ; Borgogna Nera,
Borgogna Rosso, Spätburgunder, etc. (Italy); Spätburgunder (Germany); Burgundac (USA and ex
Yugoslavia); Clevner (Mexico and New Zealand).
Commonly mistaken for: Pignola, Trifora,
Precoce d’Istria.
Origin: Native of France, from
the Rhone Valley; ancient Gallic-Roman growers used to vinify it (called by
Pliny: Elvanacea minor) from the 1st century AD. Pinot Nero is the archetype
of the Pinots family; it’s a genetically unstable variety, it has fathered
other varieties, such as: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Meunier, and also
several biotypes. It is possible to distinguish two fundamental typologies: the
Pinot Nero Champagne, to which they correspond the principal biotypes
cultivated in the Champagne region, characterized by high yield, that can be fermented with a
white wine method to make famous sparkling wines and a Pinot Nero Bourgogne to
which they correspond the biotypes cultivated in the Burgundy region, ideal to make important
red wines.
Agronomic and environmental
aspects:
It has a preference for medium-fertile and chalky soil, with a good quantity of
calcium carbonate and drainage. Quite tolerant to cold climates, but
particularly susceptible to spring frosts. The best results are always gotten
when it is grown in cooler and more humid climates. It is suitable for
different training systems and pruning methods. VSP, with medium-high density
of planting and cane pruning or spur pruning are recommended; also traditional
wide or semi-wide training systems give good results.
Diseases, pests and disorders: Can show “dropping off” due
to spring frosts. Susceptible to botrytis and quite susceptible to iron
chlorosis.
Description:
Growing Tip: half-open, cottony, of
whitish colour.
Leaf: medium size, cordate, 3-lobed
or 5-lobed. Has a wide opened V-shaped petiolar sinus, often limited through
nerves at petiole end; lateral superior sinuses are V-U shaped, while inferior
are hardly present. The profile is V-shape with revolute lobes.
Bunch: small size, compact, of
cylindrical form and winged.
Berry: medium size and spherical or
slightly ovate, when pressed out of shape by high density of berries; skin is
medium thick and strong, of blue-black colour, covered by waxy of bloom.
Vegetation growth habit:
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dropping or erect
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Vigour:
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medium-high
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Average bunch weight:
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medium-low (80-150 g.)
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Average bunches per shoot:
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1 or 2
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Growth Stages:
Time of budburst:
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medium-early
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Time of flowering:
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medium
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Time of veraison:
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early
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Time of harvest:
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medium-early
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Available Clones:
-
VCR
18:
Biotype
of Burgundy, clone selected in Tauriono, around the Pordenone province. Vine
characterized by medium vigour and good productivity; small, cylindrical and
semi-compact bunches with one short wing. Good resistance to botrytis and
chlorosis.
Maturity results:
Vintage 2005
VCR 18
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11/02/05
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20/02/05
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27/02/05
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Baumè
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9.80
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11.25
|
12.60
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pH
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3.37
|
3.40
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3.53
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T.A.
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6.23
|
6.00
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5.25
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Wine
characteristics:
This variety is a challenge not
only for the growers, but especially for the winemakers. Pinot Nero is one of
the most difficult wines to ferment: controlling the process, extracting the
colour and stabilising the final product are all difficult jobs. The wine can
be of high quality, both in red and white vinification. A good red wine made by
Pinot Nero is characterised by ripe-grape and black berry aroma, full body,
high in alcohol, but not heavy. White sparking wines (champagne style) is well-balanced,
very fragrant with a very good flavoured bouquet. In Italy this variety is used in
several DOCG and DOC, alone or blended: Franciacorta, Terre di Francicorta,
Valtellina, Langhe, Monferrato, Piemonte, Trentino, Trento, Alto Adige, Colli
di Bolzano, Cardaro, Vicenza, Sant’Antimo, Colli di Scandiano, Lago di Corbara,
Assisi, Rosso Orvietano, Controguerra, Contea di Sclafari; in France: Bourgogne,
Champagne, Billecart, Salmon, Bollinger, Gosset, Alfred Gratin, Jacquesson,
Krug, etc.
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