Pinot Noir – Elegance and Finesse in the Glass

The history of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grape varieties still cultivated today. Early descriptions can be traced back to Burgundy in the early Middle Ages. From there, the variety spread to Germany, Austria and later to Switzerland and many other wine-growing regions around the world.

Today, Pinot Noir is grown not only in Europe but also in New Zealand, the USA, Chile and South Africa. Everywhere, it convinces with its refined, elegant style, its versatility and its ability to bring a precise expression of origin into the glass.

Pinot Noir from different regions

Pinot Noir reveals remarkably different facets around the world – shaped by climate, soil and winemaking decisions: In Burgundy (France), the birthplace of Pinot Noir, the wines are elegant and complex, with cool fruit, earthy notes and outstanding ageing potential. In Germany, from the Ahr Valley to Kaiserstuhl and the Pfalz, the wines range from delicate and fruit-driven to powerful and spicy, always showing a silky texture and fine savouriness. In the USA, Pinot Noir is often juicy and aromatic, with expressive fruit, soft structure and hints of vanilla, toast and smoke from barrel ageing.

This diversity makes Pinot Noir one of the most exciting and versatile grape varieties in the world.

The most important regions for Pinot Noir

• Burgundy
• Ahr
• Baden
• Bündner Herrschaft
• Alto Adige
• California

Pinot Noir – the mirror of its terroir

Few grape varieties reflect the character of their origin as precisely as Pinot Noir. Whether growing on limestone soils, volcanic rock or steep slate slopes, Pinot Noir absorbs the nuances of the terroir with great sensitivity and transforms them into complex, individual wines.

This is why winemakers and wine lovers value the variety as an honest and authentic ambassador of its origin.

Ageing and styles of Pinot Noir

Depending on origin, clone selection and the winemaker’s style, Pinot Noir can be matured in various ways. Whether aged in large wooden casks, stainless steel tanks or small oak barriques, the variety offers a broad range of styles – from fruit-driven, approachable wines to complex, long-lived premium cuvées.

Read more about winemaking (in German)

Food pairing: versatile and refined

Pinot Noir is an incredibly versatile food companion. Thanks to its elegant tannins and fine acidity, it pairs beautifully with dishes such as braised meats, game, duck or mushroom-based cuisine. It also harmonises surprisingly well with grilled fish or hearty vegetarian dishes with roasted flavours.

Discover our Pinot Noirs

Cellaring and ageing potential

High-quality Pinot Noir has impressive ageing potential. Over time, it develops complex aromas of forest floor, mushrooms and spices, which deepen its elegance and complexity. Proper storage at a stable temperature allows you to follow the wine’s development over many years.

Learn more here about the ageing potential of wines (in German)
Read here how to store wine correctly (in German)

Our most renowned Pinot Noir producers

Our assortment includes carefully selected Pinot Noirs from both renowned estates and small, artisanal wineries around the world. Among our recommendations are:

• Möhr-Niggli (Bündner Herrschaft)
• Michael Broger (Thurgau)
• Rudolf Fürst (Franken)
• Jean Stodden (Ahr)
• St. Michael-Eppan (South Tyrol)
• Domaine Hubert Lamy (Burgundy)
• Domaine Bachelet-Monnot (Burgundy)
• Pisoni (California)

We’ll find the right Pinot Noir for you

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