Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the world's most celebrated red grape varieties, famous for elegance, perfume and its ability to reflect place. Burgundy is its historic benchmark, but outstanding wines also come from Germany, Austria, New Zealand, California, Oregon, Champagne and many other cool to moderate regions.

The grape typically produces lighter-coloured reds with red fruit, floral notes, spice, fine tannins and lively freshness. It can be delicate and youthful or complex, earthy and age-worthy, depending on origin and winemaking.

What does Pinot Noir taste like?

Pinot Noir often tastes of red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, rose, violet and gentle spice. With age or cooler terroirs, it may develop earthy notes, forest floor, mushroom, tea leaf and savoury complexity.

The body is usually light to medium, with fine tannins and bright acidity. Oak can add vanilla, clove or toast, but the best Pinot Noir keeps fruit, texture and terroir expression in balance.

Where does Pinot Noir come from?

Pinot Noir is native to Burgundy, where it remains the great red grape of the region. It is also central to Champagne, where it contributes structure and fruit to many sparkling wines.

Today Pinot Noir is grown internationally, especially in cooler climates. Germany, Austria, Switzerland, New Zealand, Oregon, California, Chile and Australia all produce important expressions, each with its own balance of fruit, spice and freshness.

What styles of Pinot Noir are there?

Classic still Pinot Noir ranges from fresh, fruity and lightly structured to complex, oak-aged and age-worthy. Cooler regions often emphasise red fruit and savoury detail, while warmer sites can bring riper cherry and plum.

Pinot Noir is also important for rosé and sparkling wine, particularly in Champagne and other traditional-method regions. Blanc de noirs styles show how much structure and flavour the grape can bring even without red colour.


What food pairs with Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir is superb with roast chicken, duck, turkey, pork, veal, mushrooms, salmon, tuna, lentils and dishes with earthy herbs. Its fine tannins make it more flexible than many fuller red wines.

Lighter styles suit charcuterie and grilled fish, while richer Pinot Noir works with duck breast, game birds and mushroom risotto. Very sweet sauces or heavily spiced barbecue can overwhelm its finesse.

Buy Pinot Noir online

Pinot Noir is perfect for wine lovers who value elegance over sheer power. It can be bright and charming, profound and age-worthy, or somewhere beautifully in between.

Browse our Pinot Noir wines to discover silky reds with red fruit, spice, freshness and the unmistakable finesse that has made this grape a benchmark for generations.




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