Pinot Noir
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Spätburgunder
Pinot Noir is a red wine grape with signature aromas of red cherry, cranberry, mushroom. Structure: Medium body, Medium(+) acidity, Low tannin, Medium alcohol. Often confused with Sangiovese and Pinot Gris.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Start with color intensity and tannin: Pinot Noir is often pale with light grip.
- Look for tart red fruit with savory earth undercurrent.
Confidence signals
- Red cherry with mushroom/earth
- Fine-boned texture and low tannin
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Burgundy · Willamette Valley · Central Otago · Ahr
- Classic styles: Elegant pale-fruited still red · Fine-boned oak-aged cool-climate red
Common questions
Is Pinot Noir a red or white grape variety?
Pinot Noir is a red wine grape variety.
What does Pinot Noir smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Pinot Noir include red cherry, cranberry and mushroom. Structural profile: Medium body, Medium(+) acidity, Low tannin, Medium alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Pinot Noir?
Documented tells for Pinot Noir: Start with color intensity and tannin: Pinot Noir is often pale with light grip. and Look for tart red fruit with savory earth undercurrent..
What is Pinot Noir most often confused with in blind tasting?
Pinot Noir is most commonly confused with Sangiovese, Pinot Gris and Cinsault. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Pinot Noir grown?
Classic regions for Pinot Noir include Burgundy, Willamette Valley, Central Otago and Ahr.