Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is widely regarded as the most noble red variety in the world thanks to its ability to produce delicate and complex wines that can express minute details of the environment its grown in. However, conditions have to be right and it's not an easy grape to work with. In Burgundy, the variety's assumed home, its qualities have been recognised since at least the 1300s when it was given separate treatments to other grapes that were often blended together. Its status has been on a continual rise, especially in the last few decades when global demand has soared. This means that plantings have increased which has lead to very mixed results. Burgundy remains the home for the best quality wines made from Pinot Noir that have the ability express a vivid sense of place but there are also great expressions in other parts of France and further afield, usually in cooler climates. It is important to remember that the grape is also a primary variety used in Champagne production, often as a white wine (blanc de noir).