The Family Tree

The Family Tree

Directions

Families. We all have them. Eccentrics and prodigals, black sheep and forgotten heroes. But if you think your family is weird, wait till you meet this mob:

Genetically unstable, disease-prone, and given to spontaneous cloning and mutation – they’re among the most popular varieties in the world.

Welcome to the House of Pinot.

Meet the Family

Pinot Noir

The progenitor and star turn of the family, Pinot Noir, is sensitive and temperamental.

No wonder. Its tight berry clusters make it prone to fungal attacks and its skin is so thin that it can only ever yield medium bodied, light-coloured juice. And don’t even mention those spontaneous mutations. (Like throwing up a cane of white grapes, when you’re actually a black varietal.) Embarrassing.

But when Pinot is happy, it sings! Young Pinot beguiles with silky sweet strawberries, cherries and violets; while mature Pinot offers intriguing earthy, forest floor flavours and savoury gaminess.

The very best Pinots in the world, the Grands Crus of Burgundy, are made in minute quantities and command dizzying prices. But for a taste of the good stuff without risking the family home, look to Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula or Tasmania. And our (usually humble) Kiwi mates boast that they make the best Pinot Noir outside of Burgundy.

Mutation: the sincerest form of flattery.

Pinot Blanc

Grown widely across Europe, Pinot Blanc is a genetic mutation of Pinot Noir, and is similar in flavour to Chardonnay. This white sheep of the clan has struggled with self-esteem issues ever since Jancis Robinson described it as a “useful, rather than exciting” variety.

Pinot Gris/ Grigio

Pinot Gris – like its identical twin, Grigio – is a mutant clone of Pinot Noir. Gris and Grigio are the family pranksters, enjoying an extended joke at the expense of nervous consumers who have trouble telling them apart. Truth is, there is no difference at all between the grapes - only the styles into which they are made: Gris being luscious, rounded, and food-friendly, while Grigio is refreshing and zingy. 

Pinot Meunier

The family eccentric, Pinot Meunier is a chimeric mutation - meaning that it has 2 distinct sets of DNA. Spooky. Meunier is an attractive red varietal in its own right - but spurned a promising solo career in favour of a supporting role: contributing body and fruit richness to Champagne.