Pinot Noir is a variety for cool growing areas. Table 2 lists data about regions where Pinot Noir is important. North American locations tend to be much more southerly than European ones and their continentality is indicated by the relative low expected winter temperatures. The data also show that, relative to Burgundy, New York locations have somewhat greater seasonal accumulation of heat and experience more winter cold. In France Burgundy is considered to have a continental climate.
Continental climates have little water moderation.
The summer temperatures especially are important. Daytime maxima are higher and nighttime minima are lower for continental than for maritime climates. The figure above shows that the Finger Lakes have even a more continental climate than does Burgundy. Several factors are important. In both places Pinot noir matures in very early October.