Pinot Noir’s Lighter Color and Body: The Art and Science Behind Oregon’s Iconic Wine
Understanding Pinot Noir’s Lighter Color and Body: From Vineyard to Cellar
At Kramer Vineyards, our passion lies in creating Pinot Noir that reflects the delicate balance of science and artistry. With its lighter color and elegant body, Pinot Noir is one of the most captivating wines, embodying the unique terroir of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Let’s explore the fascinating factors—from the vineyard to the cellar—that make Pinot Noir so distinctive.
1. Why Pinot Noir Has a Lighter Color
Thin Skins and Anthocyanins
Pinot Noir’s signature light color can be attributed to its naturally thin grape skins, which contain lower levels of anthocyanins—the pigments responsible for red wine's hue. This delicate skin also impacts the wine’s body, giving it an elegant, nuanced character that sets it apart from fuller-bodied reds.
2. The Influence of Cool Climates and Terroir
The Willamette Valley’s cool climate plays a pivotal role in shaping Pinot Noir’s flavor and structure. Slow ripening allows the grapes to retain their natural acidity, resulting in vibrant flavors and a lighter body. Our vineyard’s ancient marine sedimentary soils, with their excellent drainage and rich minerality, add depth and complexity to every bottle.
3. Winemaking Techniques at Kramer Vineyards
Pump-Overs (Remontage)
In the first third of fermentation, we use pump-overs to gently circulate the juice over the grape skins. This method enhances flavor and color extraction while preserving the wine’s delicate balance.
Rack-and-Return (Délestage)
As fermentation progresses, we transition to rack-and-return techniques, pausing pump-overs entirely. Délestage involves draining the fermenting juice and returning it over the cap of skins, which softens tannins, refines the texture, and enhances integration.
Punch-Downs (Pigeage by Hand)
When the cap softens enough to punch to the bottom, we focus on hand punch-downs to delicately extract tannins and flavors. Guided by intuition and experience, we monitor the cap’s texture to determine the perfect pressing time, ensuring every vintage reaches its full potential.
Aging in French Oak
After fermentation, our Pinot Noir is aged in French oak barrels, with up to 25% new oak, to integrate subtle flavors of spice and vanilla without overpowering the fruit. This careful balance enhances the wine’s complexity and structure while preserving the essence of our terroir.
4. The Art and Science of Pinot Noir
Crafting Pinot Noir is as much an art as it is a science. At Kramer Vineyards, every decision—from fermentation techniques to barrel selection—is made with precision and care to honor the beauty of this exceptional varietal.
Join Us on the Pinot Noir Journey
Discover the science and artistry behind Kramer Vineyards' Pinot Noir. Visit our Tasting Room for private tastings and tours, or join our Wine Club to enjoy exclusive access to our wines.