Along the Saar it is slowly gaining ground again. Origin The Pinot is one of the oldest vine varieties known to man. It originated probably at the Nile, where it developed from the vitis vinifera occidentalis. It was spread by the Greeks, and the Romans brought it to France, where it can be traced back into the 4th century. The bunches are medium sized, tightly packed with medium sized berries, thin skinned and of dark blue to violet colour.
Yields are medium high.
Pinot Noir puts high demands on the site where it is to be grow, though not as high as the Riesling. The soil should be fertile, loose, warm, and deep. Stony soils that heat up easily, like slatey soils, are also recommended. The colour and bouquet is better on lighter soils. Pinot Noir from slate soil can be very special.