Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a variety of red wine grapes grown in many world wine regions but predominantly in cooler climates. The grape is primarily associated with the Burgundy region of France but has found a definite home here in Australia. As well as single varietals, the grape is also known for being one of the three main varieties used in the production of Champagne (the alternates being Pinot Meunier or Chardonnay).

Pinot Noir is one of the four grape varieties in the Pinot family. Originating in France, the name Pinot derives from the French word ‘Pine’, referring to the grape variety having tightly clustered, pine cone-shaped fruit bunches, and Noir (Black). The other relatives are Pinot Blanc (White), Pinot Gris (Grey) and Pinot Meunier (Miller).

Whilst Blanc, Noir and Gris are obvious to assign meaning in the translation, Meunier is a little more left field, with the name Miller being derived from the appearance of the bottom of the leaf, which is white and looks like it’s been dipped in flour. I did say it was left field!

Many wine lovers are passionate about this varietal as it is a notoriously difficult variety to cultivate and transform into wine. The grape’s tendency to produce tightly packed clusters makes it susceptible to several viticultural hazards.

Whilst Merlot took a dip in popularity in the US post the immensely popular movie ‘Sideways’ in 2005, Pinot Noir sales grew 16%!!

The classic profile tends to be light to medium-bodied, with low tannins and average alcohol. Typical flavours are cranberry, cherry, raspberry and clove, but flavours do vary depending on climate with cooler climates showing more red cherry flavours and warmer climates, more raspberry and plum.

As the grape likes the cooler climates, great examples can be found in Australia in Mornington Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, Yarra Valley and Tasmania and New Zealand in Central Otago and Marlborough.

Listed below are the wineries that produce Pinot Noir.

To find your perfect Pinot Noir at a winery with many other searchable features, click here.