Unveiling the Charm of Pinot Noir: Why It’s a Beloved Red Wine and Tips for Optimal Enjoyment

A close-up photo of pinot noir grapes.

Pinot noir is widely appreciated for its flexibility and smooth taste, renowned for its distinct ability to capture the essence of its growing environment, which endears it to both winemakers and wine lovers.

Tracing its lineage back thousands of years, pinot noir originates from the Burgundy region in France. This grape has been a staple there since the era of the Romans and continues to be a celebrated variety. Notorious for its delicate skin and vulnerability to ailments, pinot noir is often referred to as the “heartbreak grape” due to its challenging cultivation requirements. Yet, under optimal conditions, it delivers wines with rich complexity and layers.

The interest in pinot noir has seen a resurgence lately, fueled by an increased recognition of its sophistication and its compatibility with various cuisines. Winemakers around the globe are dedicating resources to clone and refine techniques that enhance the natural characteristics of the grape. Moreover, trends toward sustainable and organic farming are gaining traction in an effort to foster more authentic expressions of pinot noir.

While Burgundy remains the benchmark for pinot noir, this grape has found success in various corners of the globe.

Pinot noir makes up a substantial part of the U.S. wine market. In 2023, it was the third-most planted grape variety by acreage in California. And just to the north in Oregon, more than half of all the state’s planted grapes in 2022 were pinot noir, accounting for 60% of vines in the state.

New Zealand’s Central Otago and Marlborough regions are also gaining recognition for their vibrant and expressive interpretations of this grape.

As climate change poses challenges for grape growing, the future of pinot noir may see further shifts in where and how it is cultivated.

What distinguishes pinot noir as a unique wine? It’s the grape’s exquisite ability to reflect the characteristics of its growing environment. The top-tier pinot noirs are lauded for their intricate aromas that often include a mix of red and black fruits, floral touches, and subtle hints of earthiness or minerals. In terms of taste, they usually range from light to medium-bodied, featuring vibrant acidity and smooth tannins. This profile makes pinot noir an exceptionally flexible wine choice, pairing well with various dishes such as roasted poultry, salmon, mushrooms, and soft cheeses.

For those who prefer a lighter red, pinot noir shines as an excellent option, especially during the warm summer months. Below, you’ll find five prime examples of superb pinot noirs.

Burgundy, though much smaller than Bordeaux, making up about 10% of its size, stands out significantly for its pinot noir and chardonnay. Maison Louis Latour, a family-operated vineyard with a history spanning over two centuries, thrives here. They are acclaimed for creating fine Burgundy wines and possess the largest array of Grand Cru vineyards in the area. Their offerings are accessible at various price points, making them perfect for those new to French wines. One of their exceptional wines is the 2022 Bourgogne Pinot Noir, which presents a rich ruby color with a bouquet of red fruit and blackcurrant scents. This wine complements grilled meat and mature cheeses beautifully.

This selection is particularly suitable for summer BBQs due to its dynamic and intricate flavor profile, which includes vivid red fruit and a silky texture. These attributes harmonize splendidly with a variety of barbecue meals, while its spicy and smoky undertones perfectly accentuate grilled dishes. Known as a standard-setter among Oregon pinot noirs, the Ponzi Vineyards 2022 Laurelwood Pinot Noir is produced from sustainably maintained vineyards, further enhancing its charm. The Ponzi family, with over 50 years of experience in pinot noir production, manages 140 acres of certified sustainable vineyards in the Willamette Valley’s Laurelwood District AVA, initiated by the Ponzi sisters, Maria and Luisa. The terroir here, characterized by ancient fractured basalts with a layer of fine loess, imparts distinctive qualities into their wines, making this pinot noir a sophisticated, yet approachable choice for gatherings.

Reed and Megan Skupny’s Rockhound Wine, established by the succeeding generation of Lang & Reed family from Napa Valley, innovatively produces wines challenging traditional norms in the industry. Their 2021 pinot noir, harvested from Radian Vineyard in Santa Rita Hills, California and matured for 16 months in French oak barrels, is a robust wine with nuances of balsam and strawberries, infused with flavors reminiscent of bramble berry pie, dark chocolate, and coffee nibs. Containing 15.3% alcohol, it is best served slightly chilled during warmer times with Niçoise salad, or paired with braised lamb shanks and parmesan polenta in colder months.

Established by viticulturist Dr. Konstantin Frank in 1962, this Finger Lakes winery redefined viticulture in New York state and the US by pioneering the introduction of wine grape vineyards to the Eastern states. Currently under the guidance of fourth-generation Meaghan Frank and her father, Frederick Frank, the winery consistently innovates through a varied selection, including traditional method sparkling wines, ancient Georgian grape varieties, and acclaimed rieslings and pinot noirs that capture the essence of Finger Lakes region. The winery’s pioneering pinot noir vines, planted in 1958, yield exquisite wines with cranberry, cherry, and subtle oak overtones. Their light-bodied 2021 pinot noir complements dishes like mushrooms, grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or seared salmon perfectly.

Yering Station, established as the first vineyard in 1838 in Victoria, Australia, consists of five vineyard sites across Yarra Glen and Coldstream, with altitudes ranging from 150 to 1,500 feet. Acquired by the Rathbone family in 1996, it gained international recognition for viticultural innovation and sustainability. Best known for its excellent cool-climate pinot noir, along with chardonnay and shiraz, Yering Station’s 2021 pinot noir presents an elegant tannin structure, vibrant acidity and a fruit-forward profile, with 10 months in both new and old French oak barrels imparting warmth and spicy undertones.

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About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!