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Along with the whole wine industry, Pinot Noir in China is growing. Terroirs are very young and wine grower are still experimenting with where to plant what.
Pinot noir is mostly grown in Ningxia region, where the dry and sunny climate seems to be good for the delicate pinot noir. It is also grown in some domains in Mountainous Yunnan Regions, where the altitude also seems to have good terroirs.
Pinot noir, or pinot Nero in Italian, is mostly grown in the Northern Area of Italy. Those regions are called Trentino and Alto Adige (South Tyrol, Süd Tirol in German). Its a montainous area, with altitude providing the cool weather needed as well as sun exposure needed to grow a good pinot noir.
North of California, Oregon has developed a great reputation for Pinot Noir. The growing area is centered around Willamette Valley, which is about 240 km long. It is about the same latitude as Burgundy and of about the same length as the Burgundy Coast wine area. Most famous wineries are located around Dundee, close to Portland. Several Burgundy winemakers have created or bought domains in Oregon, including Meo-Camuzet’s Nicolas-Jay.
Oregon Pinot noir tend to be smoother than Burgundy but highly sophisicated thanks to the cool climate of the area.
Apart from Burgundy, which is the main and most developed pinot noir area in France, this grape can also be found in other regions.
Alsace
Although Alsace is mostly known for its white wines, cool climate of the Rhine Valley is also favorable for pinot noir. Alsace pinot noir tend to be of lighter color and body.
Champagne
Champagne white sparkling wines are made either from Chardonnay (called Blanc de Blanc), or pinot noir (called Blanc de Noir). White wine from pinot noir is created by maceration of the grape juice only, without skins that will give the dark color.
South France
Pinot noir is also grown in the southern region of France, particularly in Languedoc, where it has been more recently brought, compared to centuries old tradition in Burgundy or Champagne.
Loire Valley
Pinot Noir is the red grape of the Centre-Loire, most famous in red Sancerre but also in Menetou-Salon and Châteaumeillant. These tend to be lighter wines than one often associates with this grape.
Pinot noir in Australia is mostly grown in Victoria State. The focal point there is the Yarra Valley, with famous domain Yering station leading the way.
Tasmania also produces many pinot noir, though they tend to be less famous. The Southern location of the island brings cooler winters and moisture, making it also a great location for the grape.
Pinot noir is mostly grown in Northern California, where night temperatures get cooler due to Ocean breeze. California pinot noir tend to be higher in alcool and lighter in taste that traditional ones from Burgundy.
Bourgogne (Burgundy in French) is the region of France makes some of the finest pinot noir, where it is the main grape variety for red wines. It is divided in 3 areas, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Châlonnaise.
Since pinot noir from Burgundy are numerous and well document, they deserve a specific category. Other pinot noir growing regions in France are listed in the France category.