Pinot Noir

TL; DR

One of the greats. Light on its feet, but filled with flavour, this is a legendary red grape.

So, what is it?--red

Dare we say it, but the greatest grape of all? The seductive one. A medium-bodied red that originated in Burgundy, in France. Pretty much the gateway drug for red wine - soft, silky and approachable, and very easy to drink!

Where does it come from?--aromatic

Like most good grapes, it comes from France. The little region of Burgundy in the east of the country is home to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the worlds wildest and most expensive wines from both of these grapes come from here.

Germany also loves a good Pinot, where it is known as Spatburgunder.

The warmer countries like our own backyard, as well as the USA, also produce fantastic examples, filled with ripe fruit.

Who's famous for it?--racy

Pinot Noir, the dazzling diva of the wine world, steals the spotlight in France’s Burgundy region. With its refined elegance and complex character, Burgundy’s Pinot Noir is like the Audrey Hepburn of wines – classic, timeless, and utterly sophisticated. Over in Australia, the Yarra Valley, Macedon, and Gippsland are the life of the party, producing vibrant, fruit-forward Pinot Noirs that are as lively and colourful as an Aussie beach barbecue.

Hop over to New Zealand, and you’ll find Martinborough and Central Otago serving up some serious Pinot. Martinborough’s cool climate gives us wines with the intensity and structure of a Shakespearean drama, while Central Otago’s offerings are bold and expressive, with a heart of gold. In the USA, Oregon’s Willamette Valley and the state of California are Pinot Noir rockstars. Oregon’s versions are earthy and elegant, like a soulful indie band, whereas Cali Pinots are more lush, rich, and fruit-driven – think of them as the pop hits of the wine world, catchy and universally approachable. Last but not least, Germany’s Baden and Ahr regions add their own silky, aromatic twist to the mix, proving that when it comes to Pinot Noir, the global party never stops.

What does it taste like?--aromatic

If we had to pick one word to define Pinot Noir, we'd probably go for DELICIOUS. But, in all seriousness, silky could be the one. The texture of these wines is just divine—very fine tannins and a lightness of touch. Imagine bright red fruits like cherries and ripe strawberries, or even pomegranate on your palate, with lovely lifted floral character and sometimes a savoury earthiness adding a bit of mystery. The wines age exceptionally well, thanks to their juicy acidity and relatively low alcohol. It's like the wine equivalent of a timeless classic—always in style, always a pleasure!

Main styles it's known for?--cellar

Probably most easily split into Fruity v Earthy, but this is simplifying a bit.

Some wines can do both (they're the ones to look out for) Australia & New Zealand nail the bright fruity ones, and there seem to be a greater proportion of earth, spicy wines from Burgundy, France or Oregon, USA.

What foods should you be pairing it with?--plum

Soft cheeses are heavenly here, as is richer poultry (duck & Pinot is pretty much the best thing imaginable). Try BBQ quail, roast chicken, or even roast salmon. Mushrooms are a match made in heaven too, bringing out that savoury side of the wine. The fruitiness and soft tannins of Pinot Noir play beautifully with the umami-rich character of mushrooms. For a bit of a surprise, pair it with pork or lamb dishes—the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness wonderfully.

Want to learn more classic pairings with Pinot Noir? Check out these 5 Easy Pairings for Pinot Noir Lovers!

Fun fact--earth

As their name suggests, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are related to Pinot Noir. In fact they are different-coloured clones of Pinot Noir!

If you like this, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...--wines

Gamay, Nebbiolo