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Wines

Pinot Noir

Wine style and varietal guide

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  • Red
  • Red • Off-Dry
  • 12–14.5% ABV
  • Light body
  • Off-Dry sweetness
  • medium acidity

Is this for me?

Choose this if…

  • ✓You like a hint of sweetness balanced with acidity.
  • ✓You prefer lighter, more elegant wines.

Skip if…

  • ✗You want a fully dry or fully sweet wine.
  • ✗You want something rich, full-bodied or powerful.

At a Glance

12–14.5%ABV
Off-DrySweetness
mediumAcidity
Low-MediumTannin
LightBody
16°CServe

Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →

On this page

What is Pinot Noir?

A light- to medium-bodied red wine with high acidity and delicate tannins. It has flavors of red cherry, strawberry, and earthy undertones.

Taste profile

Off-Dry sweetnessmedium acidityLow-Medium tanninsLight bodyEarthyRed FruitLight Bodied
Earthy(medium)Red Fruit(high)Light Bodied(medium)

Sensory profile

BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
  • Style: Red
  • ABV range: 12–14.5%
  • Light body
  • Off-Dry sweetness

What do these dimensions mean?

Grape & region

Grape varieties
Pinot Noir
Region(s)
Burgundy, California, Oregon, New Zealand
Country
France/global
Sweetness
Dry
Skin contact
Moderate red-wine skin contact

Principal wine regions

A principal grape in California, Burgundy, Champagne and more — explore the regions known for it.

How it’s made

Method
Red wine grapes are gently fermented on skins, often with careful extraction to preserve perfume, acidity, and lighter tannin; oak ageing is common but usually restrained.

When to serve

DessertSweet wine fansDinnerSavoury foodRed

Dietary

How Pinot Noir fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).

  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-Free

Also known as

PN (ambiguous_short_name)Pinot Noir (common_name)

Frequently asked questions

What is Pinot Noir?
A light- to medium-bodied red wine with high acidity and delicate tannins. It has flavors of red cherry, strawberry, and earthy undertones.
What does Pinot Noir taste like?
Pinot Noir is often described as Earthy, Red Fruit, Light Bodied. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
What foods pair with Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir pairs well with Cheese, Cheese Board, Chicken, Fried Chicken. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir typically has an ABV of 12–14.5%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
When should I drink Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
What wines are similar to Pinot Noir?
If you enjoy Pinot Noir, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
Does Pinot Noir improve with age?
Cellaring potential for Pinot Noir depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Pinot Noir with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.

Last updated

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.