Pinot NoirThe heartbreak grape that rewards patience with unmatched elegance and complexity

Pinot Noir is one of the world's oldest grape varieties, with roots tracing back to ancient Burgundy, France, over 2,000 years ago. Its name derives from the French words for 'pine' and 'black,' referencing the tightly clustered, pinecone-shaped bunches of dark grapes. This notoriously finicky variety demands cool climates and meticulous vineyard management, earning its nickname as the 'heartbreak grape' among winemakers.

Burgundy remains its spiritual home, producing legendary wines from villages like Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée. Beyond France, Pinot Noir has found spectacular success in Oregon's Willamette Valley, California's Russian River Valley and Santa Barbara, New Zealand's Central Otago and Martinborough, and Germany (where it's called Spätburgunder). What makes Pinot Noir truly special is its transparency—it reflects its terroir like no other grape, offering a window into the soil, climate, and winemaker's philosophy in every sip.

How to recognize this grape variety?

Pinot Noir seduces with ethereal aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, often layered with earthy notes of forest floor, mushroom, and wet leaves. As it ages, it develops captivating secondary notes of leather, tobacco, game, and truffle. On the palate, expect silky, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity that provides remarkable freshness and structure. The texture is often described as velvety rather than bold, with a lighter body that belies its complexity and depth.

This versatility makes Pinot Noir a dream for food pairing. It's phenomenal with duck, roasted chicken, salmon, tuna, and mushroom-based dishes. The wine's acidity and moderate tannins won't overpower delicate flavors, making it perfect for everything from coq au vin to grilled lamb chops. Try it slightly chilled with charcuterie or at cellar temperature with aged Gruyère for an unforgettable experience.

Pinot Noir production around the world

Here's the list of the top 5 producers of Pinot Noir worldwide.

France

FranceBourgogne, Champagne, Loire, Jura

30%
United States

United StatesCalifornie, Oregon

16%
Germany

GermanyAhr, Pfalz, Würtenberg

12%
Italy

ItalyFranciacorta

8%

othersHongrie, Roumanie, Nouvelle-Zélande, Moldavie

20%

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Grape variety fact sheet

France - Flag

Origin

France

Colour

Tasting profile

Body
Acidity
Sweetness
Tannins
Alcohol

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