RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

It is a mutation of Blaue Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), with low yield and early ripening. On the grounds of its tendency to soak little water from the ground and of its small berries, this vine variety nearly disappeared in the Seventies. It was grown on no more than 15 hectares in Germany. In the Seventies, Geisenheim Research Institute started a methodical redevelopment of early Pinot Noir clones. Early Pinot Noir gives velvety and full-bodied wines, with a low level of acidity. Early Pinot Noir wines are more expressive than ordinary Pinot Noir grown in the same area. In blind tastings, early Pinot Noirs get higher marks as compared to ordinary Pinot Noirs. For this reason, vine growers from Ahr region decided to go on growing this rare vine variety. the diffusion of early Pinot Noir nowadays amounts to about 6% of the total production. Over the past 150 years, it has been grown in the Ahr area, the biggest area in Germany as far as red wine production is concerned. Early Pinot Noir vine has always had an important role in the Ahr area: in the wine museum in Bachem there is evidence of vineyards dating back to 1187. It is believed that Early Pinot Noir was grown on Kallertsberg hill in 1526. Due to its position (not completely oriented towards south), Bachern vine growers experienced some difficulties with late-harvest Pinot Noir, whereas early Pinot Noir still gives good yields in this area, especially on Bachemer Karlskopf hill.

(Source: Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity – Ark of Taste) https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/?fwp_arca_settore=wines-and-grape-varietals-en)

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