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Wine Styles & Varietals

Pinot Noir

Wine style and varietal guide

Reviewed by , Drinks Editor
RedRed • Off-Dry12–14.5% ABVLight bodyOff-Dry sweetnessmedium acidityLow-Medium tannins

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.

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.

Best For

DessertSweet wine fansDinnerSavoury foodRed

Food Pairings

CheeseCheese BoardChickenFried ChickenPork

Taste & Style

Off-Dry sweetnessmedium acidityLow-Medium tanninsLight bodyEarthyRed FruitLight Bodied

Flavour profile

Earthy(medium)Red Fruit(high)Light Bodied(medium)

Food pairings

  • CheeseCheese · high
  • Cheese BoardCheese · high
  • ChickenMeat · high
  • Fried ChickenMeat · high
  • PorkMeat · high

Best for

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.

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