Your Guide to Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the most captivating red wine varieties in the world. Loved for its elegance, complexity, and ability to reflect the place it’s grown, it has become a favourite among winemakers and wine-lovers alike.
While it’s not the easiest grape to cultivate - thanks to its thin skins and sensitivity to climate - when it thrives, it can produce some of the most renowned and memorable wines around. From light and aromatic to structured and age-worthy, Pinot Noir is remarkably versatile, offering something for everyone, whether you like Champagne, a fruity smooth red, or something with a little more spice.
Where It All Began
Pinot Noir’s story begins in Burgundy, France. It’s been grown there for centuries, producing some of the world’s most celebrated and age-worthy wines. The name ‘Pinot’ comes from the French word for pinecone, a reference to the grape’s tightly clustered bunches. Its pale-skinned cousin, Pinot Gris (or Pinot Grigio), is also widely planted but tends to be more forgiving in the vineyard.
What Makes Pinot Noir Special?
What sets Pinot Noir apart is its ability to reflect where it's grown. Its flavours can range from light and floral to deep and earthy, with signature notes of red berries, forest floor, and spice. It’s typically lower in tannins than other red wines and has a silky texture and bright acidity that make it incredibly food-friendly.
Where Does Pinot Noir Grow?
Pinot Noir may have its roots in Burgundy, but today it thrives in wine regions across the globe. From the foggy valleys of California to the chalky soils of southern England, this temperamental grape reveals a unique expression wherever it grows.
Burgundy, France
Burgundy is still the heartbeat of Pinot Noir. The legendary vineyards of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune continue to produce some of the world’s most complex and age-worthy reds. In recent years, we’ve also seen fresh energy from younger winemakers and rising subregions like the Hautes-Côtes and Mâconnais. Even in a global market flooded with Pinot, top Burgundy remains the reference point.
Germany
Once overlooked, German Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) is now turning heads. Warmer growing seasons and refined winemaking have lifted quality dramatically. Look to regions like the Ahr, Baden, and Pfalz for wines with bright red fruit, herbal lift, and a cool-climate elegance that’s hard to beat.
California
California’s relationship with Pinot Noir has matured beautifully. The Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Santa Rita Hills remain hotspots, producing ripe, silky Pinots bursting with cherry and baking spice. That said, a new wave of winemakers is embracing restraint - dialing back the ripeness in favor of structure and subtlety.
New Zealand
Few countries have embraced Pinot Noir as enthusiastically as New Zealand. Central Otago delivers bold, juicy Pinots with vibrant acidity, while Martinborough and Marlborough offer more savory, finely textured styles. Across the board, the wines are fresh, focused, and food-friendly - and they’re gaining traction in global markets for good reason.
England
Pinot Noir is a key player in England’s buzzing wine scene. It’s the backbone of many award-winning traditional-method sparkling wines from Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire. But in warmer vintages, some producers are crafting still Pinot Noir that's light, fresh, and surprisingly layered.
Champagne
You’ll also find Pinot Noir playing a starring role in Champagne. Alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, it adds body, red fruit depth, and complexity to the blend. Blanc de Noirs styles (made solely from dark-skinned grapes like Pinot Noir) offer richer, fuller expressions of this classic region.
Wherever it’s grown, Pinot Noir is a grape of versatility and transparency. It reflects the soil, the season, and the hand that guides it. Whether you’re drawn to a delicate Burgundy, a fruit-driven Californian, or a crisp English sparkling, there’s always something new to discover in the world of Pinot Noir.