Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a red grape variety renowned for its finesse, complexity and ability to produce some of the world's most sought-after wines. It is a thin-skinned, temperamental variety that is both difficult to grow and make into wine, but it is also highly rewarding when done right.

Pinot Noir grapes have a deep blue-black colour and are known for their delicate aromas of red berry and tart cherries, as well as more earthy notes of mushrooms and forest floor. On the palate, Pinot Noir wines offer a mix of ripe fruit flavours, ranging from red cherry, raspberry, strawberry and plum to more savoury flavours like herbs, spice and earthiness.

Pinot Noir is grown in many countries around the world, although it is most famously associated with its origins in Burgundy, France. In France, it is also a key player in Champagne and Alsace. It is also grown extensively in the New World countries of the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Chile, as well as in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Luxembourg. Pinot Noir is a notoriously difficult grape to grow, requiring cool climates and well-drained soils. It is prone to a variety of vine diseases, so careful vineyard management is essential to ensure successful yields. In the winery, it is known for its ability to produce wines of great complexity and finesse, but it is also sensitive to winemaking techniques and can easily be overwhelmed by oak and other winemaking practices. Besides dry red wines, Pinot Noir is also a versatile grape for premium sparkling wine, rosé wine, and sometimes still white wine. Pinot Noir produces a wide range of styles, depending on where it is grown. In Burgundy, it is characterised by delicate, elegant wines with subtle aromas of red fruit and earthiness. In the New World, it is often more fruit-forward and intense, with rich notes of ripe cherries, raspberries and spices. Pinot Noir is an incredibly versatile food wine, capable of pairing with a wide variety of dishes. It works particularly well with grilled meats, wild game, pork, salmon and mushrooms. It can also be enjoyed with lighter dishes like salads and vegetarian dishes.

The name Pinot may come from the French word "pin", for its pine cone shaped clusters.