Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the most beloved and challenging red grapes in the world, with origins tracing back to France’s Burgundy region, where it has been cultivated for over a thousand years. Known as the “heartbreak grape” for its finicky nature, it requires precise growing conditions, thriving in cool climates with well-drained soils. Despite its challenges, Pinot Noir produces some of the world’s most exquisite wines, valued for their elegance and complexity.

This grape offers a delicate but captivating profile, with flavors of red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, often layered with earthy, floral, or spicy notes like mushroom, rose petal, and cinnamon. Pinot Noir’s light body and silky tannins make it versatile at the table, pairing beautifully with everything from salmon to duck. From Burgundy to Oregon, New Zealand to California, Pinot Noir continues to captivate wine lovers with its charm and finesse.

Here are the Pinot Noirs I’ve tried: