Grapes · Red grape
Pinot Noir
Thin-skinned, fussy and much loved. Pinot Noir gives pale, aromatic wines that trade power for finesse and are highly expressive of their site. Also one of the three main Champagne grapes.
Also known as: Spätburgunder (Germany), Pinot Nero (Italy), Blauburgunder (Switzerland/Austria)
On the nose
Young wines (primary aromas)
- red cherry
- strawberry
- raspberry
- cranberry
- violet
- rose petal
Oak & winemaking (secondary)
- vanilla
- clove
- smoke
- cinnamon
With bottle age (tertiary)
- forest floor
- mushroom
- game
- wet leaves
- truffle
On the palate
Dry, light to medium body, high acidity and low to medium, silky tannins. Red fruit dominates; good examples are layered and long with an earthy, savoury edge.
Tasting tip
Pale colour you can see through, red berries plus a whiff of mushroom or forest floor: that is classic Pinot Noir.
Often confused with
Gamay (simpler, bubblegum/banana notes), Grenache (riper, higher alcohol, spicier), Nebbiolo (pale too, but much more tannin).