Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a grape that has been crucial to the UK, with it being one of the holy trinity of traditional method “Champagne” grapes alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. But the grape enjoys profound success on its own all around the world, from the legendary prized wines of Burgundy to the cooler climate success of New Zealand’s Central Otago and Marlborough.

Pinot Noir is the 10th most planted grape in the world (source: Wine Folly) and the second most grown grape variety in England. Whilst domestically, most of the juice from the Pinot will end up in a Classic Cuvée sparkling blend, a Rosé (still or sparkling) or perhaps even a Blanc de Noirs, the grape’s popularity as a single varietal still wine is starting to increase.