The Holy Grail Metaphor in Pinot Noir Narratives: A Mythical Pursuit of Perfection
Marion Lieutet
This study analyzes the recurrent use of the Holy Grail metaphor in literature devoted to Pinot Noir. At the heart of this metaphor lies the emotional intensity Pinot Noir evokes, which may turn into obsession, giving rise to a quest for perfection. In fact, various aspects of this quest share common traits with those inherent in the Arthurian Grail narratives, as both journeys are fraught with challenges and personal transformation. This research draws upon close reading of a diverse array of literature (20 works in total) including academics books providing valuable information on Pinot Noir’s characteristics, history, cultural meaning, and more popular books like memoirs or travel narratives. Together, these texts contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects that this notion of quest can take.
Pinot Noir production is generally represented as the focus of a heroic quest: capricious, demanding, sensitive, touchy. Pinot Noir is an extremely challenging grape variety, both in terms of viticulture and winemaking, often referred to as a heartbreaker. Thus, Pinot Noir attracts a true hero whose journey is fraught with pitfalls. As in Arthurian myths, one of the driving forces is passion: Indeed, this grape variety, often called the “Poet’s grape”, generates passionate feelings. Therefore, a lyrical register and related stylistic devices abound sometimes with erotic overtones. Even in academic and scholar writings, this register is widely used, which contrasts with the description of other grape varieties (notably Cabernet Sauvignon) and gives the impression the authors lose their objectivity when it comes to Pinot Noir. These passionate feelings sometimes turn to obsession, giving rise to a quest, based on the belief that Pinot Noir holds the potential to produce a wine which embodies the essence of the sublime and the perfect. As in the myths, this quest, driven by the passion for Pinot Noir, is a source of transformation as it sharpens the senses and the spirit. “It makes you think and feel more than other wines” (Doyle 2006: The heartbreak grape, a journey in search of the perfect Pinot Noir) and inspires self-transcendence.
Marion Lieutet worked for five years as the coordinator in charge of organizing the MSc Wine Management program at the School of Wine & Spirits Business (Burgundy School of Business). She now holds the position of Project officer at the GIP Pôle Bourgogne Vigne & Vin (this is a public interest group that fosters collaboration between academic, professional, and institutional actors in Burgundy’s wine sector. Its mission includes education, technology transfer, and the international promotion of regional expertise).