Pinot Noir Grape variety guide: history, French regions, taste & food pairing
Pinot Noir is the noble red grape of Burgundy and a pillar of Champagne, admired for silky texture, transparency and an unmatched ability to express place. It is one of the world's most sought-after varieties.
Learn more about Pinot Noir
History & origins
Pinot Noir is among the oldest cultivated grapes, grown in Burgundy for at least 1,000 years and documented there by the 14th century. Cistercian and Benedictine monks mapped its finest plots, laying the foundations of today's climats. Its name likely refers to its tight, pine-cone-shaped bunches. It is a parent of Chardonnay, Gamay and Aligoté, and gave rise to Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Meunier.
French regions & appellations
Burgundy (Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Chambolle-Musigny, Pommard, Volnay), Champagne, Alsace, Sancerre Rouge, Jura and Crémant.
Taste profile
Light to medium body with red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, violet, mushroom, forest floor and baking spice; fine tannins and lively acidity.
Food pairing
Roast duck, coq au vin, bœuf bourguignon, salmon, roast chicken, mushroom dishes, Époisses and Comté.