Four plots have been planted with homogeneous material of Pinot noir cultivar on typical soils of Chamoson area (Valais, Switzerland). Conducted from 1997 to 2000, this research allowed pointing out the influence of water nutrition on agronomical and oenological potential of Pinot noir. In a situation without water restriction, vigour was clearly higher and budburst was delayed. In the must, soluble solids content was lower in absence of water constraint, while malic acid and nitrogen contents were higher. Meanwhile, pH remained relatively constant due to higher potassium content. In fact, any situation inducing regular and moderate water restriction during ripening did led to wines with more polyphenols and more qualitative tannins, which were preferred by the panel of tasters.