Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most celebrated red grape varieties, originating from Burgundy, France. Known for its thin skin and sensitivity to climate, it is often described as 'capricious', and has become somewhat of a Holy Grail for many producers and winemakers who pursue the star quality and desirability of great red burgundies grown in the Côte d'Or. Today Pinot Noir is grown most successfully in cooler regions like Burgundy, Champagne, Oregon, New Zealand, and parts of Germany, making light to medium-bodied red wines with bright acidity and fine soft tannins. Typical flavours include red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, often accompanied by earthy, floral, and spicy notes. More complex expressions can develop aromas of mushroom and violet with age. In warmer climates like California, it tends to show riper fruit notes such as black cherry and plum. Equally you will find it as a key component of Champagne – pressed carefully no colour comes from the skins, allowing the Champenois to make ‘Blanc de Noirs’ exclusively from Pinot Noir and it’s close cousin, Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir is exceptionally versatile when it comes to food pairing. It complements dishes such as roast duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, and soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert. Its bright acidity also makes it an excellent match for lamb, pork, and earthy vegetarian dishes. With careful winemaking and the ageing potential it has, Pinot Noir can produce many of the greatest wines in the world.