There has never been a better time for a wine lover to explore Pinot Noir. A cool-climate grape that was once synonymous with fine Burgundy, outstanding examples are popping up in all corners of the world. From the Sonoma Coast of California to Montagne de Reims, Champagne, or the Willamette Valley in Oregon to Central Otago, New Zealand, the best Pinots are a sensual delight, full of rich texture, dark fruit, and earth. Pinot Noir is truly a gift to red wine lovers everywhere. A tricky grape in the vineyard and in the cellar, the hard work it demands is invariably rewarded. When Pinot Noir is good, it might just be the best wine in the world. Unlike many of the major international varieties, today, there is no true set flavor profile or style for winemakers that choose to pursue Pinot Noir. The only rule is that the wine must be delicious.
What are the best Pinot Noir wines?
Coming into its own in the Burgundy wine region of France, the Pinot Noir grape and winemakers working with were long held to those specific flavor profiles. Red Burgundy has been carefully divided into appellations over the years, with the best being deemed as" Grand Cru" sites, but value can be found up and down the Côte-d'Or. Thankfully today, things are changing. Over the past few decades, cool-climate vineyards in the New World have delivered a new era of Pinot Noir for wine lovers. These New World winemakers changed their focus to showcase their own terroirs instead of copying the French and hoping for the best. For wine drinkers who love subtle and distinct wines, this is significant progress.
What are the tasting notes of Pinot Noir wine?
Great Pinot Noir wines are heady, and known for their finesse, complexity, and subtlety. You are in for a treat whether you like an earthy Burgundy, Champagne Blanc de Noirs (all red grapes including Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are used to make the white, sparkling wine), strawberry-flavored examples from Carneros, the dark raspberry and red fruit flavors of Pinots from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, elegant high-acid wines from Central Otago in New Zealand, or the eucalyptus-scented Pinot Noirs from Chile. With lower tannins than, say, a Cabernet Sauvignon, winemakers from all over the world (Italy, South Africa, and beyond) are choosing this finicky wine grape variety to showcase their talent. You may even have encountered Pinot Noir from Germany, although there it goes under the name Spätburgunder.
Want to learn more about Pinot Noir wine?
Check out Firstleaf’s Ultimate Guide to Pinot Noir.