Pinot noir
Pinot noir – is a French red-grape wine species of vine. In its homeland, namely in Burgundy, it produces high-quality red table wine having quite considerably large body, harmony, beauty in coloring and taste, and long-term storage capability, while in the southern zone – in Champagne, the production is applied for making famous champagne wine.
As an ancient species, Pinot noir is characterized by varieties of forms and clones, which have been generated by natural or artificial selection over the centuries. These variations and clones significantly differ from each other as much in their morphologicalbotanical characteristics, as in their agro-biological, cultivating and technological specificities. They are: Pinot noir, Tetri Pinot, Grey Pinot, Violet Pinot, Safere Pinot, Green Pinot, Gold Pinot, early or July Pinot, Iskia, Of Senioren, Butuzesi, Kola Andresi, and others. Pinot noir is the most distinguished and high quality, by its production quantity and quality, and is the most widely distributed in many viticulture regions of the world, where it is used for producing qualitative red table wines or for getting champagne wine material.
In its morphological and biological features, Pinot noir belongs to the Western European group of grapevine species. It can be found in nearly all viticulture countries. For example, in addition to France, it is grown in Italy, German, Switzerland, regions of South America, Balkan countries, and out of the Soviet Union republics -in Moldova, Ukraine, Kirgizstan, Georgia, North Caucasia and Krasnodar.
Its positive side is also a short vegetation period that allows grapes to reach full ripeness even in the southern viticulture regions; so it is widely spread and successfully cultivated around the world. Pinot noir was imported into Georgia at the beginning of the 20th century by the prince department and was planted as small scale vineyards in the regions of Kakheti, Kartli and Imereti.
From the first, the production of Pinot noir was used for making red table wines, but did not live up to expectations in relation to its productivity and quality. Later it was used for champagne wine material, and quite successfully in certain micro-districts (Vachevi, Vartsikhe, Mukhrani). But it could not spread widely as it was underscored in relation to native species which were used for champagne production. Also, in particular regions it was not distinguished by high-quality production due to cultivation in unsuitable soils.
The development of champagne viticulture in our country has been emphasized since 1938. The issue of re-cultivation of Pinot has since been reconsidered.
Due to the lack of planting material, the grafts of Pinot were bought from France and were cultivated on rootstock farms- firstly on the farm of Mukhtrani (Mtskheta district), and then distributed in other regions of Georgia, particularly on the collective and Soviet farms of the districts Mtskheta, Kaspi, Gori, Kharagouli, Sachkhere, Zestafoni and Terjola.
By 1942, 1.300 ha in Georgia was dedicated to champagne viticulture, out of which more than 600 ha was taken up by Pinot noir. However these failed because of improper caring and were replaced by other species. This process was also determined by low productivity of Pinot in comparison to local grapevine species, for example in the region of Imereti, Tsitska appeared more harvestable. Local residents were forced to plant and cultivate Tsitska rather than Pinot. All of these caused a significant decrease in its vineyards. According to the lastest descriptive data, it takes up approximately 300 ha in the regions of Kartli and Imereti. The distribution of Pinot gained great attention in mountainous viticulture districts, especially in Tetritskaro, Dmanisi, the mountainous zone of Tbilisi, Akhaltsikhe, Adigeni, Aspindza, Lentekhi, Khulo and other districts. In the future it should be widely spread as much in the mentioned districts as in the districts having similar climatic conditions, because it can be used for qualitative table wine production and also as material for champagne wines.
Botanical description
Pinot noir is described in the Vaziani department of Muhkrani farm (the district of Mtskheta). The vineyard was cultivated in 1938. For the rootstock grafts of Berlandieri X Riparia 420a were used. The vines are grown on wires and are basically formed following the Georgian two-sided rule. The species is described in Vachevi (Zestafoni district) and Dighomi (the suburb of Tbilisi) to compare each other.
The young shoot
The growth cone is flat and completely covered by web-like whitish down while on the surface, pink spots are noticeable. The first, second and third leaves are covered by whitish down on both sides, especially the underside of the leaf which is strongly covered. On the third and fourth leaves, the covering is less depicted, particularly on the top surface, and it gradually disappears with the following leaves. The young leaves are bright green circled by a soft pink.
The shoot is green, bare, brilliant and green colored. A hair-like covering is characteristic for its basal part – on the second and third axils.
The young sprout
The developed sprout is of average density or nerrower. It is bright brown and largely covered in black spots. The axils are colored more intensively. The length between axils is 6-10cm.
The leaf
The developed leaf is dark green, of medium size (14.5 - 17.7 cm long and 14.6 - 17.3 cm wide) and is either rounded or slightly oval with three or, rarely, five lobes. It is quite thick, wavy, and sometimes funnel-shaped and with edges that curve to the underside. On the upper side, the leaf has small blisters, while from the underneath, it is covered by thin web-like hairy down.
The incision in its natural state is often closed by lightly connected edges and has round basis.
The upper part of the incision is open and insignificantly cut or with a sharply cut angle; sometimes with a very deep and covered egg-like hole or with lyre-like parallel sides and a sharp basis.
The lower part of the incision is often upright, slightly or sometimes strongly cut. Rarely, it is lyre-like, having nearly parallel edges and a sharp basis.
The upper side teeth are triangular, with quite a wide basis and round top. The secondary teeth are of different sizes, either triangular or with round tips.
The relation of the petiole of the leaf to the central major vein is 0.8-1.0cm. The petiole is mostly green and bare. The major veins are dim green and well depicted on both sides.
During autumn, the leaf takes on a reddish coloring, sometimes with yellowish tones.
The flower
The flower is hermaphroditic, having normally developed pistil and stamens. In one flower there are generally five stamens, but four or six can also be found, or sometimes seven stamens. A stamen has the same length as the pistil or is longer. In one receptacle there are 200-260 flowers.
The bunch
The length of the petiole of the bunch from its pedicel equals 3.5 - 5.5cm. It is quite thick and rough (like wood) until the axil, while the remaining part is similar to grass and is bright green.
The bunches are small: 8 - 12 long and 6 - 8.5 cm wide and are often cylindrical or cylindrical-cone shaped.
The grain
The length of the petiole of the berry from its pedicel is 4.5 - 6mm. The petiole is green. The pedicel is sectioned and spotted and wide cone-shaped. The berry is well connected to the pedicel, is dark blue, and medium-sized or smaller. Its average length comes to 12.3 - 15.2 mm, while the width is 12.1 - 15mm. Grains are round; wider in the middle part and rounded at the end. They have thin skin, are less fleshy and extremely juicy, having a pleasant and sweet taste. The skin of the berry is quite densely covered by wax-like spots.
The seed
In one berry there are one to four seeds, most often two or three more rarely four. The length of the seed is 6.5 - 7mm, while the width is 3 - 3.5mm. Seeds are brown, and on the inside have yellowish tone. Their basis is round or slightly oval, quite depicted with a 1.8 mm-long tip.
Agro-biological description
The vegetation period of Pinot noir in Georgia is defined as 145-155 days from the opening of bud to the full ripening of a grape. While to the fall of the leaves consists of 218-235 days.
Here the results are given of a phonological observation of Pinot noir. (See Table 1).
In Western Georgia (in Vachevi micro-district) where spring comes earlier, Pinot noir can develop in the first half of April, with the opening of buds starting from 6-8 April, while the blossom period – from the end of May. Grape ripening is noticeable from the end of July to the beginning of August. It comes to its full ripening at the end of August and at the beginning of September.
In Eastern Georgia (in the micro-districts of Mukhrani, Dighomi, Telavi) these biological phases happen later and thus the berry reaches its full ripening period in the first half of September.
Table 2 indicates the biological phases of Pinot noir in different regions of the Soviet Union (collaborated by Blagonravovi and Loza).
As Table 2 shows, Pinot noir comes to its full ripening early in the Tashkenti Zone (2.VIII), while in Kishiniovi it comes late (5.X). In the Krasnodari and Derbenti zones, the period of grape ripening is similar to that of Imereti, while in Kirovobadi and Odesa the ripening phases are distributed as in Kartli.
The growing of vine and sprout development
Pinot noir is characterized by average growth. In deep and strong soils, when accompanied by high agro-technical works, the speed of growth and development is accelerated and extends beyond the average. To the end of the vegetation period, the length of particular sprouts equals 1.5 - 2 m.
In Georgia, in both plains and mountainous areas, the sprouts of Pinot noir reach their full development by the time of mass-ripening of the grape and then take their characteristic tone of coloring.
The productivity
Pinot noir is characterized by a lower level of harvesting than the average. In good conditions and with a background of high agro-technical means, its yield can be considerably increased.
It gives first signs of harvesting sometimes from the first and mostly from the second year of its planting, while the time of full harvesting starts from the fourth year.
In the Mukhrani viticulture zone, in the case of grapevine formation according to the Georgian two-sided rule and when the loading is 16-18 buds, the yield of one vine equals 2 - 2.5kg. The number of undeveloped buds is between 30-35%. The number of harvestable buds is quite high (70-90%). The productivity of a sprout is also high (1.5-1.7). The coefficient of harvesting fluctuates between 1.1 and 1.3. On a sprout there are often two bunches of nearly equal size, but one or three bunches can also be found. The sprouts having one bunch make up 35%, two bunches -57%, while 5 % of sprouts have three bunches.
The above-mentioned data of harvesting is characteristic for Pinot noir in the Vachevi viticulture zone, while the average of a vine’s yield is significantly lower. Based on four year evaluations in this district, the average harvesting of one root does not exceed 1.1 - 1.3 kg, as the vines are less developed and loaded.
In the viticulture zone of Mukhrani (the district of Mtskheta) Pinot noir is characterized by greater harvestability (65-72 centners per hectare). In other districts of Kartli (in Kaspi and Gori) the harvest varies significantly (from 10 to 25-30 centners). Such low harvesting is caused by a larger distance among vines in vineyards (20-40%), also by improper care and cultivation. In places where proper treatment has been conducted timely, the general development of the vine has been successful. In the districts of Imereti (Kharagouli, Sachkhere, Zestafoni, and Terjola) local residents took the issue of Pinot noir cultivation skeptically. From 1940 to 1945, collective farms could provide 3-5 centners of grape. There were also vineyards of Pinot especially in Kharagouli (Kitskhi, Vardzia), Sachkhere (Arkveti, Savane) and Terjola (Terjola, Sazano) where thorough production could not be acheived as the vineyards were massively declined and poor (30-80%); fully un-cultivated. In such unsuitable conditions, the vineyards of Tsitska could provide better development and higher harvestability. This resulted in the replacement of Pinot by Tsitska. In the following years this situation has been gradually improved. In the remaining vineyards all agro-technical activities were conducted as they were recommended by professional rules; timely and sufficiently, after which the general outcome of the harvest increased. For example, in the districts of Kharagouli, Zestafoni, and Terjola the yield of Pinot noir for the last five years has been defined as 45-70 centners.
The species is not, as a rule, characterized by falling of the flowers or small berries. Its negative sides are noticeable only in bad and unsuitable soil and climatic conditions, as well as in uncultivated vineyards.
Durability against pests and fungal diseases
In Kartli, Pinot noir experiences greater susceptibility to downy mildew, mostly in warm and moist weather. During this period, the green masse of grapevine can become more easily infected than the grape. In such conditions, the action of powdery mildew is not intensive. The species can be affected by a greater number of diseases in Imereti districts, which have more supportive conditions for the development of fungal diseases. After all, both Kartli and Imereti districts are considered and recommended for the administering of Bordeaux mixture of vineyards 4-5 times, and by phosphorus 2-3 times. In the viticulture zone of Mukhrani (Mukhrani, Aghaiani) Pinot noir is more vulnerable to diseases like Yellow Leaf. Despite the conducted observation, there are no clear reasons which cause it and therefore as yet we have no responsive methods designed. Observation clarifies that the Yellow Leaf and the massive decline of the vine cannot be caused only by the surplus of calcium carbonate or the lack of iron in soils. We are working on this problem and expect that the exact causes will be indicated and possible anti-measures determined. This species is very susceptible to phylloxera; therefore the cultivation of Pinot noir should be provided on phylloxera resistant grafts. Of desirable rootstocks, it is better to use Berlandieri X Riparia 420a and 5bb, and Riparia X Rupestri 3309. Pinot noir can be grafted on the mentioned rootstocks, characterized by normal development as well as long and regular harvesting.
Response of species to different environmental conditions
In central Kartli, and in upper and central Imereti districts, where the atmospheric sediments are comparatively low, Pinot noir achieves normal development and regular harvesting (in the case of proper cultivation and care). In regions where the sediments are plentiful (Guria, Samegrelo, Adjara), its development is satisfactory but is characterized by the mass fall of flowers resulting in thin and a-typical bunches and low productivity. Experience shows that Pinot noir provides high quality production in Georgia in its southern and south-east sloping areas, in soils which are rich in calcium carbonates, phosphorus, calcium and road metal.
As much in hot and dry regions as in cold and moist conditions, also in heavy clay and non-lime soils the species is not successfully cultivated. Production from such areas is very unusual and undesirable.
Resistance against winter frosts is quite high. In the Kartli zone (Mukhrani) it is more enduring of frost than Aligote. But it is more sensitive to spring frosts, as its spouts develop earlier, especially in the north-western exposition. Therefore the cultivation of Pinot is better cultivated on south and south-eastern expositions.
It is characterized also by great resistance to drought, but for normal development and better harvesting it should, as a rule, be irrigated 2-3 times in the viticulture districts of Kartli.
agro-technical characteristics
Of agro-technical procedures interesting is the issue of cutting and formation.
Based on long research and observation, it has been proved that one sided formation of vineyards as used in Georgian regions cannot be considered as satisfying for all grapevine species and especially not for Pinot noir. The research institutions have developed more loading forms of vine, out of which two sided wire-patterned alley (wallpaper) and that of many-hangings are the best forms – by loading the vine with 16-24 buds.
The mentioned forms are successful in the district of Mtskheta, particularly in Mukhrani, Saguramo, Misakcieli, Tsilkani, Aghaiani and other micro-districts, also in the viticulture zone of Vachevi (Zestafoni district). According to the last five years’ data the average of grape production has reached 60 centners. But it is necessary to use all agro-technological measures timely and in a highly qualitative manner; to fertilize the soil by mineral-organic fertilizers, to irrigate 2-3 times where there is a lack of moisture- otherwise a massive decline and degradation of vines will occur.
Observation clarifies that more harvesting sprouts can be generated on Pinot noir mostly from the basis to the upper side on the fourth and eighth axils, so the cutting should made by leaving 5-7 buds on a sprout.
The shoots that are generated from substitute buds are generally harvestable and can be the cause of overloading of the vine. This can be avoided by making them free from extra flower buds; such left only in the case of damage to the basic shoot.
Agro-technological characterization
By its agricultural implications, Pinot noir is a source of high-quality wine and champagne material. This is a value that proves its right to be included in the standard assortment of grapevine species in several regions of Georgia. It has especially positive results when maintained in mountainous regions of Georgia, where nowadays great attention is paid to viticulture development.
The results of the mechanical-chemical analysis of grape samples from different regions are given below (see Table 3).
As Table 3 indicates, Pinot noir is not characterized by significant distinction in the number of bunches and berries in the mentioned zones. The average weight of a bunch is very usual for this species (92-102g); the number of berries on one bunch is also normal (66-74), and so is the consistence of a bunch – in its petiole, skin, seed and juice.
In the vineyard of Mukhrani- that is cultivated on the grafts exported from France - extremely harvestable vines with large bunches can be found. By morphology, these vines are similar to Pinot, but are distinguished by larger bunches and many more berries. The average weight of their bunch equals 200g or more, with 150-155 berries. One might say that it is one variation of Pinot, but lower in value of production that the real Pinot.
The mechanical analysis of the berry gives the following picture: the average weight of 100 berries equals 123-129g, which consists of 210 seeds weighing 5.7 - 6.9g. Every 100 berries consists of: 12.5% berries with one seed, 50.7% with two seeds, 24.6% with three seeds and 12.2% with four seeds. During the full harvesting period of grape, the concentration of sugar is from 18.5 to 20.5%, while the total acidity from 9.5 to 10.5%, at which point it is dedicated to champagne wine production. The harvest generally occurs when the sugar concentration reaches 17 - 18%. After leaving a grape on the vine for some time, it takes more sugar and sometimes consists of 22% (the collection of Dighomi).
Here is the data about the dynamic of Pinot noir's grape ripening (see Table 4).
As Table 4 indicates, Pinot noir in the Vachevi zone starts sugar accumulation (by about 16.7%) from the second part of August, but its normal amount is achieved by the end of August. The harvest for champagne production is provided in this time. Further delay is unreasonable as after this time the sugar consistency does not increase- only up to about 21% and so it is in other months too.
In the viticulture zone of Dighomi, sugar accumulation occurs later, beginning from the middle of September and coming to its normal level at the end of the month. For the first half of October, sugar accumulation is excessive (22%) and remains the same level to the end. As we have noticed, the production of Pinot noir in Georgia is dedicated only to champagne wine material.
Here are also given the results of the chemical analysis. Wine samples prepared in the micro-districts of Mukhrani (the district of Mtskheta), Sachkhere (the district of Sachkhere), Lashe (the district of Kharagouli) and Vachevi (the district of Zestafoni) from 1945 to 1947 (see Table 5).
After the tasting, the wine samples from the mentioned districts took the following evaluation:
The sample of Mukhrani: the color – bright, harmonious, rich, qualitative material for champagne.
The sample of Sachkhere: the color – bright, harmonious, light and quite tender material for champagne.
The sample of Lashe: bright color, clear, harmonious, good temper material for champagne.
The sample of Vachevi: bright color, clear, harmonious, having pleasant acidity, aroma and taste of fruit, cheerful material for champagne.
The above-mentioned clearly indicates that Pinot noir can be used for high quality champagne wine production in our conditions.
The chemical consistency and taste creates the great possibility for use as champagne material. For this reason it is used together with Tsitska in Imereti districts and with Chinese and Gorian Green in Kartli. As the tasting results have indicated, material for champagne production is significantly high quality and superior in its chemical nature and taste.
Here are the results of the wine and champagne analysis from Pinot noir, from the monograph by P. Blagonravovi and V. Loza.
From Table 6 is clear that in the area of Krasnodari, high quality wine and champagne is provided in the micro-district of Abrau Durso, characterized by a high taste, pleasant fruit aroma and harmony. Out of 10 points, the sample won – 7.5 - 8.5. In the mentioned zone, productive vineyards are cultivated mostly on humus-carbonate soils, while black soils provide lower production (the farm of Anapi district).
The production of Pinot noir is also successfully applied for high quality champagne wine in viticulture regions of South Ukraine, Moldova, Kirgistan and Kazakhstan.
In some regions, Pinot noir production is used for making high quality table wines, especially in Ukraine and Moldova. Particularly significant is the viticulture zone of Moldova, where, in some micro-districts (Kishinev, Dzerjinski, Mikoiani), highly high quality material can be gained for making high quality table wine. Pinot noir is not applied for making table wine in any region of Georgia.
General evaluation and distribution by district
Pinot is a representative of the early-ripening vine species group. The observations in Kartli and Imereti have indicated that it produces high quality material for making champagne wine.
This species can be successfully cultivated in mountainous regions of Georgia as it is early ripening and can be used for making champagne material and for table wine of local importance.
For achieving high quality champagne material, the harvest of Pinot noir should be done in the first half of September in Kartli districts and at the end of August and the beginning of September in the districts of Central and Upper Imereti.
The vine is characterized by average growth and development. In more suitable ecological conditions, and with high technological backgrounds, it can provide higher than the average development (in Mukhrani, Saguramo, Misaktsieli).
The species is characterized by low harvesting. For the improvement of its development and general facilities, it is recommended to form vineyards as two-sided alley or in the form of many hangings to load it by 16-24 buds.
It is less resistant to fungal diseases, especially in warm and moist regions (Imereti). In areas of comparatively low sediment (in Kartli districts), it can also be damaged by their negative influence, necessitating treatment with Bordeaux mixture 4-5 times and by phosphorus 1-2 times.
It is quite strong against winter frosts. In the viticulture zone of Mukhrani in the same conditions Aligote was damaged by frost more than Pinot.
In Georgian conditions, the grape is weeks early and develops its shoots several days earlier than in other places, and if there are spring frosts, the grape’s green masse will be significantly damaged. This phenomenon is especially significant on plain areas, and on northern and north-eastern slopes. Therefore, Pinot noir should be cultivated on southern or south-western slopes.
Pinot noir provides poor production when cultivated in cold, moist conditions, on hard-clay soils, where there is a lack of calcium carbonate, as much for champagne as for table wine industry. Also, it does not like and cannot successfully develop in hot and dry regions, as the material produced is uninteresting, unpleasant and unharmonious.
In comparison to other exported species (Aligote, Chardone) Pinot noir is able to accumulate a lot of sugar (22-23%) but the increase of sugar is not proportional to the decrease of acidity- an important factor for making qualitative wine and champagne material.
Of grafts, Berlandieri hybrids 420a and 5bb are better, and also Riparia X Rupestri 3309.
Pinot noir is considered as a very prospective species for viticulture development in Georgia. It should be distributed in Kartli (in the districts of Mtskheta, Kaspi, Dusheti, Gori, Kareli and Hashuri) and Imereti (in the districts of Kharagouli, Sachkhere, Chiatura, Zestafoni and Terjola) where it is cultivated today too. It should be developed in Meskheti as a new step of viticulture development, especially in the districts of Akhaltsikhe and Aspindza.
As a representative of the early grapevine species, it should be most widely distributed in the districts of Akhaltsikhe, Aspindza, Adigeni, Tetritskaro, Dmanisi, Bolnisi, Java, Leningori, Znauri, Lentekhi, Khulo, Tbilisi and in other mountainous areas.
As the species is characterized by susceptibility to phylloxera, it is necessary to cultivate grafts on phylloxera-resistant rootstocks.
Bibliography
1. Demetradze V., Materials for Dividing Georgian Viticulture and Enology Industry into Regions and Specialization. Kutaisi, 1936.
2. Ketskhoveli N., Zone of Cultural Plants in Georgia. Tbilisi, 1957.
3. Mirotadze A., Types of Racha-Lechkhumi. Tbilisi, 1939.
4. Ramishvili M., Vine Types of Guria, Samegrelo and Adjara. Tbilisi, 1947.
5. Tabidze D., Development of Viticulture in Georgia. Tbilisi, 1950.
6. Cholokhashvili S., Viticulture, Vol. II, Ampelography. Tbilisi, 1939.
7. Javakhishvili Iv., Economic History of Georgia, Vol.II. 1934.
Source
Ketskhoveli, N. Georgian ampelography = საქართველოს ამპელოგრაფია / N. Ketskhoveli, M. Ramishvili, D. Tabidze ; [transl. by Dimitri Dolaberidze, Magda Javakhishvili, Sopho Chakhnashvili ; ed.: Katie Davise (main ed.), D. Maghradze, Larisa Vashakidze, Teimuraz Ghlonti]. - 2nd edition. - [Tbilisi] : Exclusive Print Ltd., [2012]. - 456 p. : ill. ; 32 cm.
