Understanding Pinot Noir clones

Before diving in, a quick primer:

• A clone is a genetically identical cutting from a parent vine.
• Clones are selected for traits like flavor profile, yield, or disease resistance.
• Different clones can taste distinct even from the same vineyard.

Note: Many historic vineyards are “field blends” of numerous clones, some unknown.

The 10 major clones of Pinot Noir

• 1) Dijon 113

  Character: Bright red fruits, floral aromatics. Structure: High acidity, moderate tannins. Best for: Aromatic lift and brightness. Notable: Earlier ripening than many Dijon selections.

  Where used: Cool zones of Burgundy (Côte de Nuits) and other cool-climate sites.

  Notable feature: Excellent aging potential.

• 2) Dijon 115

  Character: Red/black fruits, rose. Structure: Silky tannins, medium+ body. Best for: Complexity and ageability. Notable: Extremely versatile and widely planted.

  Where used: Oregon, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Central Otago, Yarra Valley, Tasmania, Baden, and Burgundy.

  Notable feature: Adds dimension to blends.

• 3) Dijon 667

  Character: Dark cherry, blackberry, subtle earth. Structure: Firm tannins, dense mid-palate, good acidity. Best for: Structure and concentration. Notable: Deep color, consistent yields.

  Where used: Sonoma Coast, Burgundy, Central Otago, Loire Valley, parts of Willamette.

  Notable feature: Contributes depth.

• 4) Dijon 777

  Character: Black fruits, violets, exotic spice. Structure: Velvety tannins, plush texture, balanced acidity. Best for: Aromatic complexity and silk. Notable: Perfumed and layered.

  Where used: New Zealand, Burgundy, Santa Barbara, Sonoma Coast, Dundee Hills, Canada.

  Notable feature: Exceptional complexity.

• 5) Pommard

  Character: Dark fruits, earth, mushroom. Structure: Substantial tannins, fuller body. Best for: Age-worthy wines. Notable: Among the oldest widely planted clones.

  Where used: Common in Côte de Beaune (Burgundy) and widely adopted in the New World.

  Notable feature: Historical benchmark.

• 6) Wädenswil

  Character: Red fruits, spice, herbal notes. Structure: High acidity, elegant tannins. Best for: Cool climates. Notable: Solid disease resistance.

  Where used: Especially Willamette Valley, Oregon.

  Notable feature: Swiss origin with New World charm.

• 7) Martini

  Character: Intense black fruit. Structure: Full body, firm tannins.

  Where used: Widely in Russian River Valley and other California sites.

  Notable feature: Excellent aging potential.

• 8) Swan

  Character: Perfumed aromatics; bright acidity; elegant frame.

  Where used: Santa Lucia Highlands and across California in quality-focused sites.

  Notable feature: Adds finesse to blends.

• 9) Abel

  Character: Intense dark fruit, firm tannins, long finish.

  Where used: Highly regarded in New Zealand (aka “Gumboot”).

  Notable feature: Storied, unconventional origin.

• 10) Calera

  Character: Complex flavors, vibrant acidity, strong structure.

  Where used: Widely in California’s Central Coast and beyond.

  Notable feature: Named for Calera Wine Company.

Bonus three

• Mt. Eden — Red fruits, floral, mineral; high acidity, refined tannins; elegant, age-worthy. Heritage California selection with Burgundian roots.
• Swan — Mixed red/black fruits, exotic spice; medium body, complex texture; distinctive personality from Joseph Swan’s vineyard selection.
• Mariafeld (23) — Black fruits, sturdy frame; higher tannins, good acidity; suited to cooler, botrytis-prone sites; Swiss clone known for resilience.

Comparing and contrasting Pinot Noir clones

• Flavor intensity: Delicate (Dijon 113) → bolder (Martini).
• Structure: Acidity, tannin, and body vary widely among selections.
• Aromatics: From bright red fruit to deeper earth and spice.
• Aging potential: Some are early-drinking; others blossom over decades.

The impact of terroir on clone expression

• Soils: Influence nutrient uptake, vigor, and flavor development.
• Climate: Drives ripening curves and acidity retention.
• Winemaking: Can spotlight or soften clone-specific traits.

Exploring Pinot Noir clones: a taster’s roadmap

Each clone brings something unique. Whether you love the vibrant lift of Dijon 113 or the dark depth of Martini, tasting across clones—and regions—reveals Pinot Noir’s full spectrum.