Firstleaf: Wine Directory: Varietals

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Characteristics of Pinot Noir
What does Pinot Noir taste like?
Notable Pinot Noir Regions
Pinot Noir Food Pairings
How to serve and store Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir Nutritional Facts
Want to learn more about Pinot Noir?
Best French Pinot Noirs:
Best Oregon Pinot Noirs:

Characteristics of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape that thrives in cool climates. It's known for its sensitivity to terroir, meaning the same grape can produce vastly different wines depending on where it's grown. The grape's thin skin contributes to its light color and low tannin levels compared to other red wines.

What does Pinot Noir taste like?

Pinot Noir's flavor profile varies significantly based on climate and winemaking techniques, but common tasting notes include:

Primary Flavors: Cherry, raspberry, strawberry, and cranberry
Secondary Notes: Earth, mushroom, leather, and vanilla (from oak aging)
Cool Climate Styles (e.g., Burgundy, France): More earthy, mineral-driven with higher acidity
Warm Climate Styles (e.g., California): Riper fruit flavors with more body and alcohol

Notable Pinot Noir Regions

Pinot Noir is grown in many wine regions worldwide, but some are particularly famous for their expressions:
France

Burgundy: The birthplace of Pinot Noir, producing the most complex and expensive examples.

United States

Oregon: Particularly Willamette Valley, known for elegant, Burgundian-style Pinot Noir.
California: Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Santa Barbara County produce excellent examples.

New Zealand

Central Otago: Produces vibrant, fruit-forward Pinot Noir with good acidity.
Marlborough: Known for lighter, more delicate styles.

Germany

Known as Spätburgunder, producing lighter, more delicate styles.

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Pinot Noir Food Pairings

Pinot Noir's versatility makes it an excellent food wine. Its moderate tannins and bright acidity pair well with:

Poultry: Chicken, turkey, and duck
Pork: Especially pork tenderloin or chops
Fish: Salmon and other fatty fish
Mushroom Dishes: The earthy notes in Pinot Noir complement mushroom flavors
Light Cheeses: Brie, Camembert, and goat cheese

How to serve and store Pinot Noir

To fully enjoy the flavors of Pinot Noir, follow these serving and storage guidelines:

Serving Temperature: 55-60°F (13-16°C) for optimal taste and aroma.
Glassware: Use a medium-sized glass with a slight taper to concentrate aromas.
Decanting: While not always necessary, decanting can help open up complex Pinot Noirs.
Aging Potential: High-quality Pinot Noirs can age for 5-10 years, developing more complex flavors over time.
Storage: Keep bottles in a cool, dark place at around 55°F (13°C) with 70% humidity for long-term aging.