Question 1

What is Pinot Noir?

Accepted Answer

Pinot Noir is a red wine grape native to the Burgundy region of France, where it’s sometimes referred to as “red Burgundy”. Rarely blended in still wine, Pinot Noir produces some of the most sought-after wines in the world.

A light-bodied red wine, brimming with a blend of red fruit and spice, often accompanied by a touch of earthy undertones. As a rosé wine, Pinot Noir comes in various styles but, typically, expect light-bodied wines with delicate flavours and aromas of strawberries and raspberries.

Burgundy’s famous Côte d’Or area produces some of the world’s most expensive and collectable wines, including those from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

Pinot Noir is also a key grape in Champagne and Cremant sparkling wine blends. If you’re hunting for a standout Pinot Noir, you’re in luck.

Dive into our curated collection, whether you’re pairing it with a special dish or just sharing a bottle with friends. There’s a Pinot Noir here waiting to be uncorked.

Question 2

Where is Pinot Noir grown?

Accepted Answer

One of the world’s oldest grape varieties, Pinot Noir is deeply rooted in France’s Burgundy region.

But its charm hasn’t been confined to just one place. You’ll find it flourishing in other European spots, such as Germany (where it goes by the name Spätburgunder), Switzerland, and even Northern Italy.

Venturing further, Pinot Noir can be found in the vineyards of North America, especially in Oregon and California, where winemakers create Pinot Noirs that even give the classic Burgundies a run for their money. Further afield, you’ll find Pinot Noir in Chile, South Australia, New Zealand, and the cool terrains of Argentina’s Patagonia.

Growing Pinot Noir is no walk in the park. Its delicate, thin skin demands attention and care. This grape loves the cool, which helps it maintain its signature light and refreshing profile. While it’s a fan of sunshine, it’s not too keen on intense heat, making sheltered valleys and coastal areas its favourite spots to grow.

Question 3

What is Pinot Noir’s style and character?

Accepted Answer

Pinot Noir offers a light to medium body, making it distinctively smooth with just a hint of tannins and a pleasant touch of acidity. Unlike its bolder red wine cousin Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir leans towards the softer side, making it an easy-drinking wine.

Sip a traditional European Pinot Noir, and you’ll notice its silky texture and lingering finish, often bringing out those mature, leafy flavours as it ages. Pinot Noirs from other regions have a velvety feel, showcasing less of that fresh, 'green' character and more of the ripe fruit notes we love.

Question 4

What does Pinot Noir taste like?

Accepted Answer

The climate and location where Pinot Noir grapes are grown can affect their flavours, but the wine’s age has an even bigger impact. Pinot Noir’s colour darkens as it ages, and its flavours and aromas deepen. Young Pinot Noirs have strong fruit and floral flavours, including:

Cherry
Strawberry
Raspberry
Redcurrant
Violet
Hibiscus

But as Pinot Noir ages, it begins to develop deep, savoury flavours like:

Mushroom
Game
Forest floor
Clove

Question 5

How to pick a good Pinot Noir?

Accepted Answer

Pinot Noir is a top pick if you’re after a light yet captivating wine. For those craving more depth, consider a mature red Burgundy or a Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. If you lean towards a richer taste, California’s take on Pinot Noir brings forward luscious textures and ripe flavours. For good value Pinot Noir, look to Germany and New Zealand.

Question 6

What food pairs well with Pinot Noir?

Accepted Answer

Thanks to its friendly acidity and subtle tannins, Pinot Noir is quite the versatile partner at the dinner table. It’s a natural fit for poultry dishes, from roast chicken to duck. It's also good with pork, beef and game dishes. A classic pairing is Beef Bourguignon which celebrates itsFrench heritage beautifully. Younger Pinot Noirs, with their light flavours, are a dream with umami-rich dishes, especially those starring mushrooms or hearty root veggies.

Discover more food and wine pairing tips.

Question 7

How to serve Pinot Noir

Accepted Answer

To truly let Pinot Noir shine, consider decanting it about 30 minutes before you pour.

With its broad base and narrowing rim, a Burgundy wine glass is ideal for capturing all those enticing aromas. While Pinot Noir can be slightly chilled at around 15°C, it’s equally delightful at room temperature, roughly 18-20°C.

Learn more about the perfect temperature for serving reds, whites and rosés.

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