Pinot Noir is a versatile and popular wine that originated in France but has since been produced worldwide. Each region has its unique climate and terroir that imparts distinct characteristics to the grapes, resulting in different flavours and styles of Pinot Noir.
When choosing Pinot Noir, it’s helpful to know which type of wine you prefer and where it came from. Armed with this knowledge, you can pick out the perfect bottle of Pinot Noir for any occasion.
Best Types of Pinot Noir from Each Region
1. French Pinot Noir
French Pinot Noir is a versatile red wine grape that can produce a wide range of wines, from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied. The grape is particularly well-suited to the cooler climate of France, where it produces some of the finest Pinot Noir wines in the world.
The best French Pinot Noir wines are elegant and well-balanced, with a characteristic earthy mushroom flavour. Pinot Noir is the grape used to make Champagne, the world’s most famous sparkling wine.
French Pinot Noir grapes are thin-skinned and relatively fragile, which makes them susceptible to weather damage and rot. The grape is also notoriously difficult to grow and manage, which has made it a challenge for winemakers.
However, the rewards of producing a great Pinot Noir wine are more than worth the effort, as evidenced by the many outstanding examples from France each year.
2. Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon Pinot Noir is a red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape. It is one of the world’s most popular types of red wine. Oregon Pinot Noir is known for its high quality and its unique flavour.
Oregon is home to some of the best wineries in the world, and Oregon Pinot Noir is one of the most popular wines produced in the state. Oregon Pinot Noir is made from the Pinot Noir grape, a black grape.
The grape is native to the Burgundy region of France and has been grown in Oregon for many years. Oregon Pinot Noir is typically made in a dry style, with high acidity and a medium body. The flavour of Oregon Pinot Noir is often described as earthy, with notes of cherries and other fruit.
3. California Pinot Noir
California Pinot Noir is a red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape. The Pinot Noir grape is a thin-skinned grape native to the Burgundy region of France. The name “Pinot Noir” means “black pine” in French, and it is thought to be named after the dark colour of the grape.
Pinot Noir wines are known for their light colour, delicate flavour, and low tannin content. Pinot Noir wines are typically lighter in the body than other red wines and are often described as being “silky” or “velvety” in texture.
Pinot Noir wines are often paired with food that is not too heavy, such as poultry or fish. Pinot Noir wines are also popular for drinking on their own.
4. New Zealand Pinot Noir
Few wine regions in the world can match New Zealand regarding Pinot Noir. The country’s cool climate and diverse terrain make it the perfect place to grow this delicate grape variety.
New Zealand Pinot Noir is typically light-bodied and elegantly fruity, with distinct floral aromas. The best examples have a beautiful balance of acidity and ripe fruit flavours with a touch of minerality. While Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s North Island can be excellent, the South Island is generally considered the country’s premier wine region for this grape.
The temperate climate of the Otago and Marlborough regions is ideal for growing Pinot Noir, and the wines produced here are some of the most sought-after in the world. If you want to try some of the best Pinot Noir that New Zealand offers, check out wines from producers like Cloudy Bay, Craggy Range, and Felton Road.
5. Italian Pinot Nero
Italian Pinot Nero is a variety of red wine grapes grown in Italy. The grape is also known as Spätburgunder or Blauburgunder and is related to the Pinot Noir grape of France. Pinot Nero wines are typically light-bodied and have high acidity. They can be either sparkling or still and are often made in a rosé style.
Pinot Nero wines are typically fruity, with flavours of cherries and raspberries. The best Pinot Nero wines are well-balanced, with good acidity and a long finish. Pinot Nero wines are best served with food and are particularly good with grilled meats and poultry.
6. South African Pinotage
South African Pinotage is a red wine grape that is native to the country of South Africa. Pinotage is typically used to make red wines but can also produce rosé and sparkling wines.
The flavour profile of Pinotage wines can vary, but they often exhibit flavours of plum, blackberry, and spice. Pinotage wines are food-friendly and pair well with various dishes, such as grilled meats, stews, and pasta. South African Pinotage wines are typically medium-bodied with moderate tannins.
The wines can be enjoyed young or aged and are often best when consumed within a few years of the vintage date. Pinotage wines are produced in various styles, including dry, semi-dry, and sweet. Some of the most popular brands of South African Pinotage include Fairview, KWV, and Nederburg.
7. Australian Pinot Noir
Australian Pinot Noir is a versatile and popular grape variety used to make red wine. The grape is known for its medium body and soft tannins, which makes it an ideal choice for many different wine styles.
Australian Pinot Noir is often used in blends but can also be made into varietal wine. The grape is grown in many regions of Australia, and each area produces wines with unique characteristics. There are a few key things to consider when buying Australian Pinot Noir.
Firstly, the wine should be made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Secondly, checking the label to see where the grapes were grown is important. Pinot Noir grapes from different regions will produce wines with different flavours and aromas.
Finally, it is important to choose a wine made in a style you enjoy. Australian Pinot Noir comes in many different styles, so there is sure to be one that you will love.
Conclusion
Whether planning a dinner party or stocking your wine cellar, these are the best Pinot Noirs from each region.
Next time you need a bottle of Pinot Noir, remember this guide to get the best one for your needs. After all, with so many options, it can be hard to choose the right one without a little help.