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Pinot Noir Day celebrates the delicate grape variety
August 18 marks International Pinot Noir Day, celebrating a grape variety known for its elegance and the difficulty of its cultivation. Originating in Burgundy, France, the Pinot Noir grape is characterized by thin skins and a sensitivity to vineyard conditions, which has earned it the nickname “the grape of heartbreak” due to the constant care required to produce successful harvests.
In Argentina, Pinot Noir occupies approximately 1,920.5 hectares, representing about 1.04% of the country's total wine-producing surface. Mendoza is the primary producer, accounting for 73.68% of these vineyards, followed by Neuquén at 12.03% and Río Negro at 5.94%.
The diverse Argentine geography allows for various flavor profiles: high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley offer slow maturation and cherry aromas, while the cold, dry climates of Patagonia produce fresh, herbal notes. Other notable regions include Chapadmalal, where Atlantic influence affects the grape's character.