Fickle to grow, tricky to make and delicious to drink, Pinot Noir is the grape of Burgundy, but is also grown all over the world, most notably in Oregon, New Zealand and California. It is also one of the major blending grapes for Champagne. Whilst the wines from the old and new world are undeniably different, Pinot Noir is a very distinctive variety. Its wines reveal soft strawberry and cherry flavours with a heady aroma, along with often complex savoury characteristics when the grapes are placed in the right hands. It flourishes in a cool, dry climate with warm days and cool nights and produces high quality wine - of which the best examples command very high prices.
Characteristics of Pinot Noir
The thin skin means it is often light in colour, body and tannins. However, it can develop amazing depth of flavour, elegance, complexity and longevity. It has the ability to express the environment where it has been grown, especially in the Burgundy region where it originated. It has notable high acidity which enables it to pair well with a range of dishes. The wines tend to have a red fruit flavour profile; strawberry, raspberry, red cherry and redcurrants. The ripeness of the fruit depends where the grapes have been grown; in a cool climate the wine will display crunchy red berry fruit, whilst in a warmer climate the wine will show more juicy strawberry and raspberry character. Cedar, spice and vanilla are secondary characters of Pinot Noir which come from oak.
Where is Pinot Noir Grown?
Burgundy – Produces the best, most expressive (and most expensive!) Pinot Noir in the world. It is the region where the term ‘Terroir’ was born. This region is all about individual plots of land and small differences in the wines based on subtle nuances in geography. The best plots are planted on the middle, steeper slopes of the Cote de Nuits, where sun hits the vines perfectly to allow for a long, slow ripening period. The flavours of Pinot Noir grown here can vary from dark cherry, plum and blackberry to raspberry and strawberry, to cinnamon and liquorice, they are often earthy and even meaty. Some can be perfumed and floral with notes of star anise. They can develop notes of mushroom, forest floor, all spice and clove with age.
California – There are a range of microclimates in California. The best sites for Pinot Noir are those which are moderated by a cooling influence. This can be from the sea breeze from the Pacific Ocean in Sonoma, or morning mist and fog in San Paolo Bay which cools down the vineyards of Carneros; a high-quality sub region of Sonoma, well known for producing excellent Pinot Noir. Californian Pinot Noir is more fruit driven, less earthy, softer in acidity, less subtle and does not taste of the land like red burgundy does. However, the best examples do have balance and structure. Interestingly, for a wine to be labelled Pinot Noir in the USA, it only has to be at least 75% Pinot Noir. 25% can be made up from other grape varieties that do not need to be disclosed on the label.
Oregon – Pinot Noir from Oregon is gaining popularity. The growing conditions, distinctive soils and innovative planting are the perfect recipe for producing delicate, subtle wines. The wines are complex, expressive and interesting. The best examples are highly sought after and command a high price.
New Zealand – Pinot Noir is the most widely planted red grape variety. The reason being that the cool maritime climate and sea breezes provide excellent growing conditions to produce quality, expressive Pinot Noir. The wines are elegant and fruity with underlying minerality. The grapes are often picked when they achieve moderate ripeness so that the acidity is maintained, the fruit is not over ripe and the alcohol doesn’t get too high. The best examples come from Central Otago, Marlborough and Martinborough.
Australia - Tasmania's cool climate is proving a fertile hunting ground for lovers of new world Pinot Noir where it has the ideal climatic conditions for both sparkling and red wine production. Some of the most exciting Australian Pinot Noir is produced in Tasmania, particularly on the east coast. Quality Pinot Noir is also produced in the Yarra Valley and Adelaide Hills, where vineyards receive cooling effects from proximity to the ocean and altitude.
Germany - Pinot Noir is also known as Spätburgunder in Germany and is widely planted across the country’s top wine regions, where winemakers are reacting to the effects of climate change and focusing on fruit purity.
Champagne - Pinot Noir is one of the three main grapes used in Champagne, (the others being Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier), where it is used to add body, richness and structure. It is a key component in rose Champagnes.
Food to Pair with Pinot Noir
The characteristic high acidity, low tannin and complex flavour means Pinot Noir to pairs well with many dishes. The best pairings involve tuna, duck, chicken, pork, mushrooms and root vegetables.
Purse-Friendly Pinot Noir Recommendations from Around The World
De Loach Pinot Noir, California, USA 2019
All De Loach wines are made and bottled at their estate facility. The Pinot Noir is made from fruit grown in premium vineyards throughout northern and central California, helping to achieve a unique balance of delicate Pinot characteristics and more intense fruit flavours.
Devils Corner Pinot Noir, Tamar Ridge, Tasmania, Australia 2019
Bright, vibrant and juicy - full of cherries, fragrant spice and savoury notes. Soft, ripe tannins and gentle acidity drive this drink-now style with generous flavours.
Domaine Jean-Jacques Girard Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy, France 2021
Fantastic value from the motherland of Pinot Noir. Attractive nose of red summer berries with added black raspberry and cassis. Smooth and silky texture – this is a really pure and juicy style that is very good indeed.
Villa Wolf Pinot Noir, Pfalz, Germany 2020
Warm and medium-bodied, with firm acid and juicy, ripe dark cherry fruit. Twelve months of barrique ageing gives the wine a smoky depth and a nice touch of earthy tannins. A very grown-up Pinot Noir for the price and an excellent wine for everyday dining.
Viu Manent Secret Pinot Noir, Central Valley Chile 2020
Viu Manent winery has been in the same family since 1935. The wine comes from vineyards in Casablanca where the site location is only 20km from the sea on granite soils. 52 percent of the wine is aged in oak for 9 months and the other 48 percent is kept in stainless steel creating a light, fresh and fruity style of Pinot Noir. Aromas of raspberries and sour cherries with notes of pink flowers and a subtle hint of violets. Delicate yet lively with cherries and fresh acidity with a long finish.
Esk Valley Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand 2019
Made from grapes grown in the Wairau and Awatere valleys in Marlborough. Low-yielding vines have produced great fruit which is aged in oak for 12 months to develop complexity. Classic, soft-textured new world Pinot Noir, elegant and eminently drinkable.
And if you would like to try a Pinot Noir dominated sparkler, we highly recommend our exclusive house Champagne;
Jacques Boncoeur Brut Reserve NV
Made in a dry style with classic apple and citrus fruit flavours and delicious freshness. This wine has given many Grand Marque Champagnes a run for their money in recent blind tastings and offers superb value. Crafted from 88 percent Pinot Noir and 12 percent Chardonnay, this superb celebration wine offers rich depth and structure alongside finely tuned finesse and elegance.
