This early-ripening grape is quite temperamental. When planted in a hot climate, it tends to ripen too quickly and fails to fully develop the exceptional potential that its relatively thin skin can offer. Today, the ideal location for Pinot Noir is Burgundy’s Côte d’Or, where, in skilled hands, it can express the unique characteristics of the local terroir. Red Burgundy from this region is often considered the benchmark for this noble grape variety. Looking beyond Burgundy, world-class Pinot Noir can certainly be found in Germany, New Zealand, Oregon, and the cooler areas of California and Australia.

Aromas and Flavour
Pinot Noir, generally speaking, is a thin-skinned grape variety with moderate to high acidity and gentle, softer tannins. In terms of colour, it is typically lighter than most other red wines.

Its depth is found in aromas of red berries and cherries (in lighter wines, fresh red cherries; in more full-bodied examples, stewed black cherries). Higher-quality wines often have, in addition to the above, earthy notes. Pinot Noir from warmer climates may also develop leathery and herbal nuances, which could be mistaken for Syrah without the proper context.

Viticulture
In Burgundy, the traditional vigneron (French for grape grower) typically prioritises the soil and the local microclimate over the characteristics of the grape variety itself (the term terroir also originates from Burgundy). Pinot Noir wines from this region showcase even the slightest distinctions in terroir. For instance, the wines of Volnay and Pommard are easily distinguishable, even though their vineyards are just one kilometre apart.

The influence of terroir is not exclusive to Burgundy. Many New World winemakers strive to produce more refined, elegant Pinot Noirs that reflect their origin in the Burgundian tradition. The newer Pinot Noir regions in Oregon, Washington, California, and New Zealand offer wine lovers many different takes on this grape. To preserve as much of Pinot’s character as possible, growers often adopt organic and/or biodynamic viticulture, avoiding commercial herbicides and pesticides that could disrupt the delicate chemical balance of this already capricious grape.

Pinot Noir in Sparkling Wine
While Pinot Noir has earned its reputation primarily as a red wine in Burgundy, it is also responsible for a significant share of the world’s finest (white) sparkling wines. For example, Pinot Noir makes up about 38% of all vineyard plantings in Champagne.

On its own, it is used to produce blanc de noirs (white sparkling wine made from black grapes). These wines tend to be richer and fuller than those made exclusively from white grapes or blends. It’s no surprise that these sparkling wines often feature dominant aromas of red and black berries.