A Beginner's Guide to Pinot Noir Clones: Q&A with Kramer Vineyards
These vines have the same DNA
What is a clone?
Pinot Noir clones are genetically identical vines propagated asexually from a "mother vine." In other words, they are vine cuttings taken from a single, original vine and grown to produce new vines. These new vines are identical to the mother vine and to one another, which allows winemakers to plant vineyards with consistent grape quality and characteristics. Pinot Noir clones can vary in their susceptibility to disease, tolerance of climatic conditions, and flavor profiles. Understanding the different features of each clone is crucial for me, as I am always looking to produce wines of the highest quality that reflect the unique terroir of our vineyard.
How do new clones of Pinot Noir arise?
Pinot Noir clones can arise through spontaneous mutations in the grapevine's DNA. These mutations create genetic variations that can change the vine's physical characteristics, such as the size or shape of its leaves or clusters of grapes. Winemakers often select and propagate clones that exhibit desirable traits, such as resistance to disease, tolerance of climatic conditions, or unique flavor profiles.
Pinot Noir has been cultivated for thousands of years, which has allowed numerous mutations to occur and be identified. While most clones originate from France, unique clones have also been identified in Switzerland, California, Oregon, and other regions. The mapping of the Pinot Noir genome in 2007 has further expanded our understanding of the genetic makeup of this grape variety and the potential for discovering new clones in the future.
Pinot Noir clones are continually evolving, and new clones may arise from spontaneous mutations. There is a possibility that the Kramer Vineyards may have a unique clone of Pinot Noir that has yet to be identified. This potential for discovery is part of what makes working with Pinot Noir clones so exciting for us.
Jumping genes are present in almost all living cells. 50% of the human genome are jumping genes; up to 90% of the maize genome are jumping genes!
Is it difficult to detect differences between clones of Pinot Noir in wine tasting?
You don't have to be a wine expert to appreciate the impact of clones on the flavor and aroma of Pinot Noir. Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are also clones of Pinot Noir, created through mutations that affect the skin color of the grape. These mutations are so distinctive that they're often considered distinct grape varieties. We'll dive deeper into these varietals in another post. But for now, consider this: if you can tell the difference between white and red wine, your palate is expert enough to explore the nuances of Pinot Noir clones. By understanding the various clones, you can better appreciate the unique qualities of different Pinot Noir wines. For more on this topic, see Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir Blanc: What's the Difference?
Why is it important to know about Pinot Noir clones?
The answer for winegrowers and winemakers is simple: it allows us to choose the best clones for our specific growing conditions and wine style. For wine drinkers, knowing about clones can enhance your appreciation and understanding of the wine you're enjoying. At Kramer Vineyards, we grow nine clones of Pinot Noir and make single-clone wines from several different clones of Pinot Noir. Let's take a closer look at the characteristics of the main clones in our vineyard.
Pommard
The Pommard clone, originating from Pommard, a village in the Burgundy region of France, has made a new home in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, where our Kramer Estate vineyard is located. It has been an essential part of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir's history and reputation, as it was one of the first clones available in the US. It is planted in many of the region's oldest vineyards, including at Kramer Estate. This clone produces medium-sized clusters, often with shoulders, and is well-suited to the cool, moist climate of the Willamette Valley.
At Kramer Vineyards, the Pommard clone was the first clone of Pinot Noir planted in 1984 and remains a significant component in many of our Pinot Noir wines, including our Estate, Cardiac Hill, Rebecca's Reserve, and Heritage Pinot Noir wines. The grapes of the Pommard clone produce balanced and elegant wines suitable for aging, which is why it is still an essential part of our vineyard. When people think of what Oregon Pinot Noir tastes like, the Pommard clone is often a big part of that reputation.
Dijon 115
Dijon 115 is a natural mutation of Pinot Noir, part of a group of so-called Dijon clones identified at the University in Dijon, Burgundy. It is an early ripening clone with small berries packed with intense flavors. Wines made from Dijon 115 grapes are known for their finesse and balance. It was one of the earliest Dijon clones available to us, and we first planted it in 1992 along with Pommard in the Rebecca's Reserve block. Depending on the vintage, Dijon 115 is also a component in our Cardiac Hill and Estate Pinot Noirs.
One of the reasons we selected this clone was based on the advice given to us by a winemaker from Burgundy who claimed it was rising in popularity there. We have found that Dijon 115 stands alone as a complete wine, unlike other clones that are great for specific attributes such as spiciness, tannin, or color. We find Dijon 115 to be incredibly balanced and elegant.
Dijon 777
Dijon 777 is another numbered clone from the University in Dijon, Burgundy. It is an early ripening clone that produces small clusters and berries, resulting in wines with rich color and more tannins. The profile of the wine is characterized by a spicy note, making it a popular choice for blending. The clone was first planted at Kramer Estate in 2001 and is usually blended into the Estate Pinot Noir. Owner and winegrower Keith Kramer is particularly fond of the spiciness of the 777, and in 2019, he decided to field graft 0.6 acres of Muller-Thurgau over to 777, tripling the acreage. The decision was influenced by an existing block of 777 right next to the newly grafted site that consistently produces exceptionally high-quality fruit.In conclusion, while clonal selection is essential in producing exceptional Pinot Noir, it is just one piece of the puzzle. The terroir and microclimate of a vineyard site can significantly impact how a particular clone expresses itself in the resulting wine. At Kramer Vineyards, we have seen this firsthand in our 22-acre vineyard. If you're interested in exploring the unique characteristics of each clone, we invite you to visit the single clone Pinot Noir section of our online store. Here you can experience each clone's distinct personality and flavors and gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay of factors that create truly exceptional wines.