Pinot Noir 101: Why the World is Obsessed with This Red Grape?

🌍 Where in the World is Pinot Noir?

Originally from Burgundy, France, Pinot Noir has traveled the globe. It's now grown in cooler regions like:

• Oregon’s Willamette Valley (USA)

• California’s Sonoma Coast and Santa Barbara (USA)

• New Zealand’s Central Otago

• Germany (where it’s called Spätburgunder)

• Italy (as Pinot Nero)

And each region gives it a unique twist. Burgundy is earthy and refined, Oregon is fruity and balanced, and New Zealand? Bright and vibrant like a Kiwi accent.

👃 What Does Pinot Noir Taste Like?

Pinot Noir is famous for being light-bodied and low in tannins — which makes it super drinkable. It’s basically the red wine for people who think they don’t like red wine.

Typical aromas and flavors:

• Red fruits: cherry, raspberry, strawberry

• Floral notes: rose, violet

• Earthy hints: mushroom, forest floor, wet leaves (sounds weird, tastes amazing)

• Spice: cinnamon, clove, black tea

And because it’s so delicate, it’s incredibly expressive of the terroir (aka: the place it’s grown). It’s like wine’s version of a mood ring.

🍷 Alcohol, Acidity & Body

• Alcohol: Usually between 12.5–14%, depending on the region.

• Acidity: Medium to high – one of the reasons it pairs so well with food.

• Body: Light to medium-bodied. Pinot Noir won’t hit you over the head, but it will seduce you slowly.

🧀 What Food Goes with Pinot Noir?

This is where Pinot Noir really shines. Its bright acidity and soft tannins make it a pairing superstar.

Perfect matches include:

• Roast chicken or duck

• Mushroom risotto

• Grilled salmon (yes, a red with fish!)

• Charcuterie boards

• Brie, Camembert, or Gruyère

Pro tip: If you're not sure what wine to serve, Pinot Noir is usually a safe bet.

🔮 Pinot Noir Fun Facts

• The grape is thin-skinned, which makes it more prone to disease and hard to grow. Winegrowers call it “the heartbreak grape.”

• It was one of the first grapes to be made into wine over 2,000 years ago.

• It ages beautifully but doesn’t need to — many Pinot Noirs are delicious young.

• Pinot Noir is the main red grape in Champagne blends!