Pinot Noir’s legacy stretches over a millennium in Burgundy, where monastic orders first cultivated the grape for sacramental and aristocratic wines. Its fussy nature led to careful vineyard selection and centuries of refinement, resulting in the famed patchwork of Burgundy’s crus. Pinot Noir gradually spread to Champagne—where it sparkles in both blanc de noirs and blends—and ventured abroad in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it underpins some of the world’s most celebrated wines, with each region shaping Pinot Noir’s identity anew. Despite its global fame, Pinot Noir’s best expressions remain benchmarks of subtlety, site, and tradition.
Pinot Noir
Region: Europe
Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most revered red wine grapes, famously producing the ethereal wines of Burgundy, France. Its thin skins and tight clusters demand meticulous care, yet reward patience with wines of striking elegance and nuance. In the glass, Pinot Noir dazzles with transparency—delicate ruby color, layered aromatics, and a supple body. Beyond Burgundy, Pinot Noir thrives in cool regions such as Oregon, Sonoma, New Zealand, and Germany, expressing its origins with unmatched clarity. Its vivid red fruit, floral perfume, and earthy undertones make it both incredibly versatile and endlessly compelling.
Tasting Notes
Taste Profile
- Very Dry
- Medium Body
- Moderate Tannins
- High Acidity
- Approximately 13%
The History of Pinot Noir
FAQs About Pinot Noir
What foods pair best with Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir excels with dishes like roast duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, and soft cheeses—its acidity and gentle tannins flatter both light and earthy flavors.
Why can Pinot Noir be expensive?
Its sensitivity to climate and site, low yields, and labor-intensive cultivation make top-quality Pinot Noir costly and highly sought-after.
Is Pinot Noir ever made as a white or sparkling wine?
Yes—blanc de noirs Champagne is made entirely or partly from Pinot Noir, and some regions craft white or rosé Pinot Noir still wines.
How well does Pinot Noir age?
The best Burgundies and top examples from Oregon or New Zealand can evolve beautifully for decades, gaining complexity, savory notes, and silkier texture.
How does Pinot Noir differ across regions?
Burgundy Pinot Noir offers earth and subtlety; Sonoma and Oregon emphasize bright fruit and spice; New Zealand versions shine with purity and vibrant acidity.
Meta description: Pinot Noir, Burgundy’s legendary grape, charms with vibrant cherry, violet, and earthy notes—producing elegant, complex reds from France to New Zealand.