The Pinot vine probably originates from the area between Lake Geneva (Switzerland) and the Rhône Valley (France). Its presumed origin in Italy, based on the synonym Clevner, is unlikely. The Cistercian order brought it to the Rheingau in the Middle Ages, from where it then spread throughout Europe. According to the most likely variant, the French term "Pinot" is derived from the elongated grape shape, which is similar to the cone of a pine tree (French "pin"). The oldest names still in use today were Auvernat, Morillon and Noirien in various spellings, but confusingly these were also used for other varieties.
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