On August 18, we celebrate one of the world’s most noble and exciting grape varieties – Pinot Noir.
This red wine is the epitome of elegance and finesse, like a subtle work of art that reveals new layers with every sip. Though it’s extremely sensitive to climate, soil, and even the winemaking process itself, this complexity is precisely what makes it so captivating and beloved.
The aroma and flavor profile of Pinot Noir is rich and multi-layered. Red fruits like cranberry, cherry, and raspberry dominate, but spicy and earthy notes are also common—such as vanilla, clove, licorice, mushroom, damp forest floor, tobacco, and sometimes even caramel. The finest examples are aged in French oak barrels, further enriching the bouquet.
Pinot Noir has a distinctly elegant structure, characterized by relatively low tannins and higher acidity. This gives it a fresh character and makes it incredibly food-friendly—especially with salmon, mushrooms, duck, or even Asian dishes. While many enjoy it young, the more serious bottles can be aged for 2 to even 15–18 years, during which they develop leathery, earthy, and mushroom-like notes.
The variety originates from Burgundy, France, where the most prestigious Pinot Noirs are still made today. The world-famous vineyards of the Côte de Nuits—Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée, and Nuits-Saint-Georges—showcase the artistry of terroir in every bottle. Further south, the Côte Chalonnaise also offers beautiful examples of the grape.
And why does Pinot Noir deserve its own special day? Let’s find out...
9+1 Fascinating Facts About Pinot Noir You Might Not Know
1️⃣ A Winemaker’s Challenge
Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult grape varieties to grow: its thin skin and sensitivity to weather and disease make it a real test of skill. But that’s also what makes it so exciting. Those who master it create true masterpieces.
2️⃣ The Heart and Soul of Burgundy
The variety’s cradle is the Burgundy region of France, where the world’s most prestigious Pinot Noirs are born. The slopes of the Côte d'Or produce the most famous (and most expensive) wines.
3️⃣ A Mirror of Terroir
Pinot Noir reflects its environment like few other grapes—it absorbs the influence of soil, climate, and vintage. That’s why the same variety can taste completely different in Oregon compared to Alsace or New Zealand.
4️⃣ A Wine That Doesn’t Just Age—It Evolves
Young Pinot Noir is fruity and vibrant, but the finest bottles can age for 10–20 years. Over time, they develop leathery, earthy, and mushroomy aromas—a true time capsule in a glass.
5️⃣ A Red That Acts Like a White
It’s not uncommon to taste Pinot Noir in a white wine glass. Its light body and aromatic profile shine better that way. And yes, it’s a brilliant base for sparkling wine (think Champagne).
6️⃣ Pinot Noir = Diversity
Though it’s a red wine, its style spectrum is incredibly broad—from light, fruity expressions to oaked, complex versions—so everyone can find a favorite.
7️⃣ The Film That Revived Its Fame
The 2004 film Sideways literally breathed new life into Pinot Noir: after the main character raved about it, U.S. sales skyrocketed.
8️⃣ A Pairing Powerhouse
Salmon? Mushrooms? Duck? Asian dishes? Thanks to its versatility, Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with many foods. Not too full-bodied, not too tannic—like a great friend, it fits in anywhere.
9️⃣ Rare, But Highly Sought-After
It accounts for only a small portion of global grape production, yet it’s among the most desired red wines. Scarce but precious.
➕ Known by Many Names – Don’t Be Fooled
While most of the world knows this noble grape as Pinot Noir, it goes by different names in different countries. In German-speaking regions, it's Spätburgunder or Blauburgunder, in Italy Pinot Nero, in Switzerland Klevner, and in Hungary it was once known as Nagyburgundi. These names reflect how widely spread and respected the variety is.
The most iconic growing region for Pinot Noir is Côte de Nuits in Burgundy, home to legendary villages like Vosne-Romanée, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Though terroir varies, the grape’s signature elegance, sensitivity, and character—is unmistakable.
🍷 Tasting Tip for This Special Day
If you want to celebrate Pinot Noir Day in style, we recommend trying a few carefully selected Pinot Noir wines that showcase the full beauty and range of this exceptional grape variety.
