Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is arguably responsible for the most revered and expensive wines in the world. It is a thin skinned grape varietal that is difficult to grow, but in the right place and under the right climatic conditions it can produce the most delicious, richest and velvety smooth wines in the world. Although Pinot Noir is one of the classic grape varieties used in the production of Champagne, it is perhaps more famous for the truly great red wine grand crus of Burgundy.

Pinot Noir when drunk young typically displays a fruity perfume of raspberries, strawberries or red cherries and because the grape is thin-skinned it usually has soft light tannins and is seldom deep in colour.

California, Oregon and Central Otago in New Zealand are other regions responsible for premium Pinot Noir wines.