Pinot Noir Wines

Pinot Noir red wines tend to be elegant with delicious raspberry, red cherry and strawberry notes and a smooth, well-rounded texture. These wines are usually light or medium bodied with low tannins and alcohol and plenty of refreshing acidity. Pinot Noir grapes are also used to make Champagne either on their own or blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

Key Pinot Noir Wine Regions

The best Pinot Noir comes from the famous region Burgundy in northern France where the cool climate showcases the variety's characteristic freshness and finesse. Other popular regions for Pinot Noir include Central Otago in New Zealand, Oregon and Washington State, and parts of California like Carneros, the Russian River Valley, and the Sonoma Coast which are all cooled by the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Pinot Noir Food Pairings

Thanks to their balanced flavour profile with low tannins and ample acidity, red Pinot Noir wines are very versatile when it comes to food pairings. Natural matches include roast duck, pork, and earthy mushroom dishes like risottos and stews. Champagnes made only from Pinot Noir, which are known as Blanc de Noirs, tend to be richer in style and pair well with hard aged cheeses, scallops fried in butter, or red berry desserts.