Pinotin
Also known as: VB 91-26-1
Pinotin
Summary
Pinotin is a premium red PIWI variety developed by Swiss breeder Valentin Blattner, designed to produce wines with Pinot Noir-like elegance while offering strong disease resistance. The name clearly signals its breeding goal—to capture the ethereal quality of Pinot Noir in a sustainable variety. With approximately 100 hectares planted and growing interest, Pinotin has earned recognition for producing refined, aromatic red wines that can stand alongside traditional Burgundian varieties, demonstrating that PIWI breeding can achieve the most demanding quality targets.
Identity
VIVC: Entry #22504
Berry Color: NOIR
Type: PIWI (Interspecific hybrid)
Breeding Number: VB 91-26-1
Creator: Valentin Blattner, Switzerland
Year: 1991 (crossing)
Name Origin: “Pinot” + “-in” suffix indicating Pinot-like character; designed to evoke Pinot Noir comparison.
Genetic Origin
Parentage: Pinot Noir × disease-resistant breeding line
Breeding Goals:
- Pinot Noir-like elegance and finesse
- Strong disease resistance
- Aromatic complexity
- Age-worthy structure
Breeding Achievement: Successfully captured Pinot character with disease resistance
Disease Resistance Profile
| Disease | Resistance Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downy Mildew | HIGH | Strong resistance |
| Powdery Mildew | HIGH | Strong resistance |
| Botrytis | MEDIUM-HIGH | Better than Pinot Noir |
| Black Rot | HIGH | Good resistance |
Spray Reduction: 70-90% reduction vs. Pinot Noir
Significance: Pinot Noir is notoriously disease-susceptible; Pinotin offers sustainable alternative
Distribution
Total Global Plantings: ~100 hectares
| Country | Hectares | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | ~50 | Origin; established |
| Germany | ~30 | Growing |
| Austria | ~15 | Emerging |
| Other | ~5 | Various |
Growth Trend: Expanding as quality becomes recognized
Viticulture
Growth Characteristics
- Vigor: Medium
- Growth Habit: Semi-erect
- Budbreak: Medium
- Flowering: Mid-season
- Véraison: Medium
- Harvest: Medium (September-October)
Climate Requirements
- Ideal Climate: Cool continental (like Pinot Noir)
- Heat Summation: 1,100-1,500 GDD (base 10°C)
- Frost: Good tolerance
- Adaptability: Pinot Noir-suited sites
Soil Preferences
- Ideal: Calcareous, well-drained (like Burgundy)
- Effect: Terroir influences expression
- Quality Sites: Best on premium terroirs
Viticultural Management
- Training: Guyot preferred
- Pruning: Standard practices
- Yield Control: 40-60 hl/ha for quality
- Spray Program: Significantly reduced
- Quality Focus: Low yields for premium wines
Enology
Must Parameters at Harvest
| Parameter | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brix | 21-24° | Good accumulation |
| pH | 3.3-3.6 | Moderate |
| Titratable Acidity | 6.0-8.0 g/L | Good |
| YAN | 180-280 mg/L | Generally adequate |
Phenolic Profile
- Anthocyanins: Medium (Pinot-like)
- Total Tannins: FINE, SILKY (key characteristic)
- Character: Elegant, refined
Fermentation
- Yeast Selection: Burgundian yeasts
- Temperature: 26-30°C (with cold soak)
- Cold Soak: 3-5 days recommended
- Duration: 10-18 days
- Maceration: Moderate (14-21 days)
- Cap Management: Gentle punch-downs
Wine Styles
| Style | Method | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Village | Standard techniques | Fresh, aromatic |
| Premium | Whole cluster, oak | Complex, age-worthy |
| Reserve | Extended techniques | Structured, profound |
Oak Aging
- Recommended: 12-18 months
- Type: French oak barriques
- New Oak: 20-35% (avoid overwhelming)
- Style: Burgundian approach
Aging Potential
- Village: 3-6 years
- Premium: 8-12 years
- Character: Develops Pinot-like complexity
Sensory Profile
Visual
- Intensity: Medium (Pinot-like)
- Hue: Ruby to garnet
- Character: Translucent, elegant
Aromatic Profile
| Category | Descriptors |
|---|---|
| Fruit | RED FRUIT (cherry, raspberry, strawberry) |
| Floral | VIOLET, rose petal |
| Spice | Cinnamon, clove |
| Earthy | Forest floor, mushroom |
| Oak | Cedar, subtle toast |
| Tertiary | Leather, truffle (with age) |
Palate
- Body: Light to medium (Pinot-like)
- Acidity: Medium to medium-high
- Tannins: FINE, SILKY (key quality)
- Alcohol: Moderate (12.5-14%)
- Finish: Elegant, lingering
Pinot Noir Comparison
Pinotin successfully evokes Pinot Noir:
- Translucent color
- Red fruit aromatics
- Silky texture
- Elegant structure
- Aromatic complexity
Winemaker Considerations
Challenges
- Expectations: Must match Pinot quality
- Technique: Requires Burgundian approach
- Yield Control: Low yields for quality
- Market Position: Premium pricing justified?
- Competition: Direct Pinot Noir comparison
Opportunities
- Quality Leader: Premium PIWI positioning
- Sustainability: Dramatic spray reduction
- Burgundy Alternative: Sustainable elegance
- Recognition: Growing critical acclaim
- Collector Interest: Age-worthy wines
Winemaking Tips
- Cold soak enhances extraction
- Gentle punch-downs preserve elegance
- French oak essential
- Allow sufficient bottle aging
- Market Burgundian comparison
- Position as premium
Comparison with Pinot Noir
| Characteristic | Pinotin | Pinot Noir |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Medium | Medium |
| Tannins | Fine, silky | Fine, silky |
| Aromatics | Red fruit, floral | Red fruit, floral |
| Complexity | High | Very High |
| Aging | 8-12 years | 10-20+ years |
| Disease Resistance | Excellent | Poor |
Premium Positioning
Pinotin’s quality tier:
- Commands higher prices than most PIWI
- Wins competitions
- Sought by quality producers
- Proves PIWI can match Burgundy aspirations
Valentin Blattner’s Vision
Blattner’s approach with Pinotin:
- Goal: Match world’s finest grape
- Method: Rigorous selection
- Result: One of PIWI’s most elegant varieties
- Legacy: Proves premium quality possible
Sources
- VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
- PIWI International Association
- Valentin Blattner breeding records
- Swiss Wine Promotion
- German Wine Institute
Last Updated: January 13, 2026