Pinot Noir is often described as a light-bodied red wine, but it is not necessarily a dark red wine. In fact, Pinot Noir is known for its translucent and delicate appearance, with a color that can range from pale ruby to a slightly deeper garnet. Unlike other red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, which are typically deep and intense in color, Pinot Noir has a more ethereal and transparent quality.
The name Pinot Noir itself gives us a clue about its appearance. The word “pinot” is derived from the French word for pine, and “noir” means black. This name is fitting because the grape clusters of Pinot Noir have a conical shape that resembles a pine tree, and the grapes themselves have a dark color. However, once the grapes are pressed and the juice is fermented, the resulting wine is not as dark as one might expect.
The lightness in color of Pinot Noir is due to the thin skins of the grapes. The skin of a grape contains pigments that give color to the wine during the fermentation process. In the case of Pinot Noir, the skins are relatively thin, resulting in a wine that is less deeply colored. This is in contrast to grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, which have thicker skins and produce wines that are darker and more opaque.
The color of Pinot Noir can also be influenced by the winemaking techniques used. Some winemakers may choose to extract more color from the grape skins by employing techniques like extended maceration or using a higher percentage of new oak barrels. These methods can result in a slightly darker and more intense color in the final wine.
It's important to note that while Pinot Noir is generally lighter in color, it can still exhibit a wide range of hues and shades. The color can vary depending on factors such as the region where the grapes are grown, the vintage, and the winemaking style. Some Pinot Noirs may have a pale, almost translucent appearance, while others may have a deeper, more vibrant ruby color.
In my personal experience as a sommelier, I have encountered Pinot Noir wines that ranged in color from a pale, almost transparent red to a medium-bodied garnet. This variation in color adds to the allure and complexity of Pinot Noir, as it reflects the unique characteristics of each wine and the terroir it comes from.
To summarize, Pinot Noir is not a dark red wine in the traditional sense. Its light-bodied nature and translucent appearance set it apart from other red wines. The thin skins of the Pinot Noir grapes contribute to its lighter color, but it can still exhibit a wide range of hues and shades. Its delicate and ethereal appearance is part of the charm and allure of this beloved grape variety.