Pinot Noir is renowned for its elegance, complexity, and ability to reflect its terroir. In the glass, it exhibits a vibrant aromatic profile, typically featuring red fruit notes such as cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, often complemented by hints of violet, rose, and subtle earthy undertones. With age, tertiary aromas of truffle, forest floor, and dried leaves may develop, adding further depth. On the palate, Pinot Noir tends to be medium-bodied, with soft tannins and lively acidity, delivering flavours of fresh red berries, delicate spices, and sometimes a savoury edge.
This grape thrives in cooler climates, with Burgundy in France being the most famous region, particularly areas like Côte d’Or, Côte de Nuits, and Côte de Beaune. Other notable regions include Oregon’s Willamette Valley, New Zealand’s Central Otago, Germany’s Baden, and coastal regions of California.
Pinot Noir is extraordinarily versatile in style: ranging from light and bright, to elegant and silky, occasionally displaying rich complexity in top cuvées. It is also a key grape in sparkling wine production, especially Champagne.
For food pairings, Pinot Noir complements a wide array of dishes—duck, roast chicken, lamb, mushroom risotto, and salmon are considered classic matches, enhancing both the wine and the meal.
