These are some of the properties and characteristics of the Pinot Noir:

• Buds early
• Fairly resistant to disease, except for downy mildew. It is susceptible to birds.
• Leaves are round, large, dark green in colour and have 3 lobes.
• Bunches are compact, cylindrical and small
• Berries are small and purple/black when ripe.      
• The skin is thick and tough.

If someone gives you a glass of wine and asks you what wine it is, here are characteristics that will help you identify the varietal:

Ripe summer berries, compost of a forest floor, earthy, mushrooms.