The early ripening of Pinot Noir Précoce means that it is primarily popular in colder wine regions, and most of the current plantations are found in Germany.
Up until the early 20th century, it was one of the most grown varieties in the Ahr region, but then declined to only 15 hectares (37 acres) in the 1960s, and was on the verge of becoming extinct due to problems of vine diseases.
In the 1970s, the Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute took an interest in it, and began selecting virus-free clones suitable for propagation.
The variety has thereafter had a modest revival in Germany, and in 2008 plantations stood at 252 hectares (620 acres).
It also attracts some interest in new regions characterised by cool climate viticulture.
The early ripening of Pinot Noir Précoce means that it is primarily popular in colder wine regions, and most of the current plantations are found in Germany. Up until the early 20th century, it was one of the most grown varieties in the Ahr region, but then declined to only 15 hectares (37 acres) in the 1960s, and was on the verge of becoming extinct due to problems of vine diseases. In the 1970s, the Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute took an interest in it, and began selecting virus-free clones suitable for propagation. The variety has thereafter had a modest revival in Germany, and in 2008 plantations stood at 252 hectares (620 acres). It also attracts some interest in new regions characterised by cool climate viticulture.
Pinot Noir Précoce