Pinot Noir
Originally from Burgundy, France
The heartbreaker of the wine world: notoriously difficult to grow but capable of producing wines of breathtaking complexity. Light in colour but profound in aroma. Red fruit, earth, and forest floor in the best examples; pure cherry in the simpler ones.
Chardonnay provides elegance and acidity, Pinot Noir contributes body and red fruit notes, while Pinot Meunier adds fruitiness and roundness to Champagne blends.
Taste profile
Where Pinot Noir is grown
Food pairings
Deep dive
Pinot Noir is ancient: possibly one of the oldest cultivated vines. It is genetically unstable (over 1,000 clones exist) and notoriously difficult to grow. Thin skin means less tannin, susceptibility to rot and sunburn.
Aromas & flavours: Red cherry, strawberry, raspberry (young); dried rose petal, forest floor, truffle, beet and leather (aged).
Structure: Low to medium tannin, medium-high acidity, light to medium body, relatively low alcohol (12-14%).
Key regions: Burgundy (the benchmark), Champagne (as base for Blanc de Noirs), New Zealand Marlborough (bright, fruity), Oregon Willamette Valley (earthy, elegant), Santa Barbara California (silky).
Why it's special: Almost transparent in the glass, yet capable of conveying terroir with extraordinary precision.
Notable Pinot Noir wines
Ice Imperial Demi-Sec
Sparkling WineMoët & Chandon · Champagne
Champagne
Sparkling WineLaurent Pernier · Champagne
Drink 2024–2027
Beaune-Bressandes Premier Cru
Red WineAlbert Bichot · Beaune, Burgundy
Drink 2023–2030
Gravel Road, Pinot Noir
Red WineRoco · Willamette Valley
Drink 2024–2030
Brut Prestige
SparklingTaittinger · Champagne
Pinot Noir Monterey
Red WineLa Crema · Monterey, California
Drink 2024–2028
Desiderius
Cap Classique Sparkling WinePongrácz · Western Cape
Pinot Noir
Red WineElouan · Oregon
Drink 2023–2026
Impérial Brut
SparklingMoët & Chandon · NV · Champagne
Spätburgunder Trocken
Red WineGeil · 2020 · Rheinhessen
Oče Naš
Red, SparklingMilan Nestarec · Moravia
Gevrey-Chambertin
Red BurgundyRené Mery · Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte-d'Or
Drink 1975–1999
Similar grapes
Pinot Noir FAQ
What is Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir is a red wine grape that originated in Burgundy, France. The heartbreaker of the wine world: notoriously difficult to grow but capable of producing wines of breathtaking complexity. Light in colour but profound in aroma. Red fruit, earth, and forest floor in the best examples; pure cherry in the simpler ones.
What are the characteristics of Pinot Noir?
On the palate it reads as medium-bodied, medium-plus acidity, low tannin. Structurally: body 3/5, acidity 4/5, tannin 2/5, sweetness 1/5.
Is Pinot Noir sweet?
Pinot Noir is almost always vinified bone dry, so expect no perceptible sugar in the glass.
What does Pinot Noir taste like?
Think of it as a medium-bodied red. The heartbreaker of the wine world: notoriously difficult to grow but capable of producing wines of breathtaking complexity. Light in colour but profound in aroma. Red fruit, earth, and forest floor in the best examples; pure cherry in the simpler ones.
What food pairs with Pinot Noir?
Reach for Pinot Noir alongside Salmon, Duck breast, Mushroom risotto, Grilled tuna.
Where is Pinot Noir grown?
You will find its finest expressions in Burgundy, Willamette Valley, Central Otago, Yarra Valley, Santa Barbara.
What grapes are similar to Pinot Noir?
If you enjoy Pinot Noir, try Grenache, Gamay. Also light in colour and tannin, but warmer and more fruit-forward. Less complexity but more approachable.
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