Pinot noir is a delicate red grape famed for making elegant and lighter bodied, cool climate wines. Burgundy in France is the region which has undoutably put this noble grape on the map for centuries, and we have an enticing range on offer, from the entry level "Bourgogne-Rouge", to the upper echelons of grand and premier "cru". While you can find some of the world's most premium and sought after Pinot Noir in Burgundy, the region does not hold today's global monopoly on the variety. Looking outside France, and even outside Europe towards the 'new world' can give you other fantastic options, too.
In Australia, you can find stunning, world acclaimed examples of pinot noir. Victoria leads the way with Australian pinot, mostly making pinots of "cooler climate" expression. The five key Victorian regions are: Gippsland, Mornington Peninsula, Macedon Ranges, Yarra Valley and Geelong. Outside of Victoria, Tasmania and Southern NSW (especially around Tumbarumba) also make stunning cool climate pinots, whereas Adelaide Hills, a slightly warmer climate, makes riper and fuller bodied expressions.
The regions to look out for from our neighbours in New Zealand include: Central Otago, the most southerly wine region in the world, and perhaps one of New Zealand's most renowned for the variety; Marlborough, with pinots of bright red fruits, freshness and subtle acidity; Canterbury, making stunning pinots displaying red and dark berry fruits, spicy and savoury notes; and finally, the Wairarapa sub-region of Martinborough, typically showing darker fruits, plums, and some savoury and chocolate notes.
Other regions in the world to explore are: Germany, the USA (particularly Oregon), and Chile.
