What is Pinot Noir? The Wine Expert’s Guide

If there were a red wine with main character energy, it would be Pinot Noir. This legendary grape is the star of some of the world’s most elegant wines—beguiling, mysterious, and seductive. In this guide, we’re pulling back the curtain on everything Pinot: its roots, flavors, personality quirks, how to choose the perfect bottle, and how best to enjoy it. But before we dive in, why not pour yourself a glass and sip along as you read this blog and gain a deeper appreciation for this captivating varietal? All set? Let’s go!

So, why is Pinot Noir one of the most celebrated wines on Earth? Because no other red wine strikes quite the same balance between subtlety and complexity. It’s bright but never brash, light yet full of nuance, and has a talent for expressing the soul of the place where it’s grown. And when it comes to crafting this iconic varietal, La Crema is the name to know. We’re honored to have been named Winery of the Year and have an award-winning portfolio of Pinot Noir that showcases the grape’s impressive range, from coastal elegance to fruit-forward charm.

What is Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned red grape variety that produces light- to medium-bodied wines with vibrant acidity. It’s the ballet dancer of red wines: delicate, graceful, and precise. Unlike bolder reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir wears its heart on its sleeve. It’s known for its transparency, both literally (it’s often paler in color) and figuratively (it vividly expresses the terroir where it’s grown).

But make no mistake: this grape is finicky. Pinot Noir’s sensitivity to climate and soil, or terroir, makes it one of the most challenging—and rewarding—grapes to grow. Pinot Noir thrives in cooler climates and demands meticulous care from winemakers, but when grown in the right place, it delivers wines with unmatched elegance and finesse. It’s no wonder winemakers are smitten.

Why Should You Drink Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir is a wine for everyone, from curious beginners to seasoned sippers. Here’s why:

• Approachable, yet Sophisticated: Pinot Noir is fruit-forward with light tannins, making it highly approachable for budding wine enthusiasts. Its intriguing layers of aromas, flavors, and texture—and its ageability—on the other hand, never cease to attract discerning wine connoisseurs and collectors.

• Food-Friendly Nature: Pinot Noir’s vibrant acidity, light tannins, and range of fruit, spice, and earthy flavors make it a wine that pairs effortlessly with a vast array of dishes, from poultry and seafood to vegetarian options. Whether you’re sipping at a summer picnic or pairing with a five-course feast, Pinot is never out of place.
• Elegance and Subtlety: For those who find bold reds a bit much, Pinot’s light touch and graceful structure offer a refined alternative. Its elegance whispers rather than shouts, and sometimes, that’s exactly what the moment calls for.

The History and Origins of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir has a rich and deeply rooted history, with its origins tracing back over 1,000 years to Burgundy, France, where monks tended the vineyards and documented how the grape expressed itself differently across the various parcels of land, giving rise to the concept of terroir.

Pinot Noir remains the flagship grape of Burgundy, where some of the world’s most renowned producers, such as Romanée-Conti, have cultivated it for centuries and have been setting records for the most expensive wines ever sold: A 1945 bottle of Romanée-Conti sold for $558,000 at auction in 2018!

During the 1800s, Pinot Noir made its way from Europe to regions like California, Oregon, New Zealand, and beyond. These areas embraced the grape’s potential and created wines that faithfully told the story of their local terroir. La Crema’s own Pinot Noir portfolio reflects this progression, bringing dynamic expressions of the grape from the Russian River Valley to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Today, Pinot Noir is a global darling, but always with a Burgundian soul.

Where is Pinot Noir Grown?

Pinot Noir thrives in cooler climates, and its terroir-driven nature means wines from different regions offer distinct flavor profiles. Here’s a snapshot of the key growing regions:

• Burgundy, France
  • Home to the most prestigious Pinot Noirs, Burgundy is all about earth-driven and elegant wines. Wines from this region are earthy, complex, and ethereal. Expect mushroom, forest floor, and tart cherry notes, all wrapped in a silky structure.
• California, USA
  • Known for fruit-forward, lush expressions, regions like Anderson Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Russian River Valley (where La Crema crafts some of its finest) produce fuller-bodied Pinots with notes of ripe strawberries, cherries, and vanilla.
• Oregon, USA
  • Pinot Noir from Oregon, especially Willamette Valley, strikes a balance between Old World subtlety and New World fruitiness, with earthy undertones, red fruit flavors, and fresh acidity.

Other notable Pinot Noir regions include New Zealand, Italy, Australia, Germany, and Chile, each putting their unique stamp on the grape.

What Does Pinot Noir Taste and Smell Like?

What does Pinot Noir taste like? The answer is… it depends (and that’s part of the fun). Factors like climate, soil, and winemaking techniques significantly influence the wine’s profile. While cooler regions emphasize earthy and floral notes, warmer areas highlight ripe fruit and soft spice. Winemaking techniques also matter: Whole cluster fermentation, punch downs versus pump overs, oak aging, and time on lees all shape the final flavor. Winemakers generally agree, however, that Pinot Noir is ultimately “made in the vineyard”—meaning the quality of the fruit determines the quality of the wine.

Pinot Noir’s aromas and flavors typically include:

• Fruit: Red berries like cherry, raspberry, and cranberry
• Earth: Mushroom, forest floor, and truffle
• Floral: Violets or rose petals
• Spice: Clove, cinnamon, and subtle smokiness

Pinot Noir Food Pairing Ideas

Pinot Noir’s moderate acidity and gentle tannins make it the ideal dinner guest—a wine that complements rather than overpowers the meal. Here are some delicious pairings that prove the point:

• Poultry & Glazes – Try Hot Mustard Glazed Chicken. Pinot’s brightness cuts through richness and lifts sweet-savory sauces beautifully.
• Salmon & Seafood – Think beyond white wine with Roasted Wild Salmon with Citrus, Chiles & Herbs. Pinot complements the umami depth of salmon without overpowering it.
• Savory Braises – Pair a glass with Braised Chicken Thighs with Olives, Lemon & Thyme for a Mediterranean moment.
• Comfort Classics – Pinot’s acidity cuts through the creamy, salty richness of Mac and Cheese with Bacon & Brussels Sprouts.
• Vegetarian Magic – Earthy dishes like Chanterelle-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes highlight Pinot’s umami side.
• Duck or Beef – Pinot is sublime with lean cuts. Try it with Beef Tenderloin Panzanella Salad.

How to Serve and Store Pinot Noir

To fully appreciate Pinot Noir’s nuances, follow these tips:

• Serving Temperature: Serve slightly below room temperature (55–60°F), cool but not cold. This ensures its delicate profile unfolds in the glass. Pro tip: Pop the wine in your fridge for 15-30 minutes before serving.
• Glassware: Use large, bowl-shaped glasses that let you swirl the wine and release its aromas.
• Storage: Store bottles on their side in a cool, dark place with stable temperature (ideally 55°F) and humidity. While many Pinots are meant to be enjoyed young, high-quality versions can age gracefully for decades, especially if stored well.

Old World vs. New World Pinot Noir: What’s the Difference?

Old World refers to Pinot Noir from traditional European regions, while New World refers to Pinot Noir from relatively younger wine-producing regions like California, Oregon, and New Zealand.

In general, Old World and New World Pinot Noirs reflect distinct styles:

• Old World (e.g., Burgundy): Earthier, more savory, more restrained, with higher acidity—think mushrooms, dried leaves, and tart fruit. Ideal for those who prefer elegance and minerality.
• New World (e.g., California or New Zealand): Riper fruit flavors, fuller body, and lush, silky textures—picture ripe cherry, vanilla, and warm spice. Perfect for fans of bolder profiles.

You should know, however, that climate change and individual winemaking philosophies are challenging these distinctions between Old and New World wines. For instance, many New World producers are leaning into more restrained styles, picking earlier in the growing season, while Old World producers are coping with rising temperatures that are leading them to produce riper, fruit-forward wines suggestive of New World styles.

Perhaps the more important distinction when you are choosing a Pinot Noir is to consider whether you prefer a savory versus fruit-forward profile. Neither is superior, they’re just different expressions of the same grape. Your preference depends on whether you love the mystery of subtlety or the lushness of fruit.

How to Choose the Perfect Pinot Noir for You

Consider these steps when selecting a Pinot Noir:

• Taste Preferences: Start with what you love. Prefer fruit-forward wines? Go for a California Pinot. Crave minerality and savory elegance? Burgundy or Oregon may be your match.
• Price Range: Pinot Noir ranges from budget-friendly bottles to luxury options. Great quality exists at every level. Read reviews and ask your local wine store expert for their favorites.
• Labels & Vintage: Look for vineyard designations, vintage notes, and trusted producers like (you guessed it) La Crema. Our consistently delicious and high-quality Pinot Noir collection offers everything from crisp, coastal pours to richer, more layered styles.

Celebrate Pinot Noir with La Crema

Now that we’ve covered everything from terroir to tasting notes and food pairings to serving suggestions, we hope that you’re feeling inspired to dive more deeply into the world of Pinot Noir. Perhaps more than any other wine, Pinot Noir is a way to travel vicariously through your glass to vineyards around the world and experience the magical and myriad ways this grape expresses itself depending on where it’s grown.

La Crema is here to guide your adventure. With more than 40 years of passion and expertise, our collection of expressive, award-winning Pinot Noirs captures the essence of this remarkable grape, from coastal California to Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Choose any of our Pinots with confidence—they’re perfect for everyday moments or special occasions. Cheers!

Shop All La Crema Pinot Noir

FAQs

Is Pinot Noir a good wine for beginners?

Yes, its lighter body and easy-drinking style make it a great starting point for red wine newcomers.

Why is Pinot Noir often more expensive than other wines?

It’s a challenging grape to grow, requiring ideal conditions and lots of care, resulting in smaller yields but higher quality.

What’s the typical alcohol content of Pinot Noir?

Around 12–14%, depending on the region and style.

What does the term “silky” mean when describing Pinot Noir?

It refers to the wine’s smooth, sleek texture, evidenced by its low tannins, gentle mouthfeel, and graceful finish.

Are there different clones of Pinot Noir?

Yes, there are hundreds of Pinot clones, each offering subtle differences in aromas, flavor, structure, and ripening behavior.

Why is Pinot Noir considered a challenging grape to grow?

Its thin skin and sensitivity to climate, disease, and vineyard conditions make it hard to grow consistently. But when Pinot is cultivated with care in the appropriate sites, the payoff is extraordinary.

Does Pinot Noir have high or low tannins?

Low tannins. That’s part of its charm. Pinot is smooth, delicate, and easy on the palate.