Cards of Wine

Pinot Noir Regions

Pinot Noir Grapes

Pinot Noir in Europe

France

The most famous (and expensive) Pinot Noir wines in the world come from Burgundy in France.

Austria (Blauburgunder)

In Austria, most of the Pinot Noir is produced in Burgenland wine region, South of Vienna. Best kept secret: lot of quality for the money.

Germany (Spätburgunder)

In Germany, Pinot Noir is the most widely planted red grape.

Italy (Pinot Nero)

In Italy, most Pinot Noir is planted in Trentino, Alto Adige, Friuli, and Veneto.
Pinot Noir also plays a main role in Franciacorta.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, Pinot Noir is the most widely planted red grape.

Pinot Noir in the New World

USA

The cold climates of Oregon and North California are perfect for Pinot Noir.

Best known areas/regions:
Willamette Valley (Oregon)
Sonoma Coast (North Coast CA)
Los Carneros (Sonoma and Napa)
Santa Barbara County (Central Coast CA)

Argentina

Pinor Noir trives in the cooler climates of Argentina.

Best known area/region:
Patagonia

Australia

In general, Australia is too warm for producing a well balanced Pinot Noir, but some areas in Victoria (with cooling winds from the Southern Ocean) have proven well.

Best known areas/regions:
Yarra Valley (Victoria)
Mornington Peninsula (Victoria)

Chile

Pinor Noir trives well in the cooler climates of Chile. The coastal regions of Chile can deliver some of the best values in the world.

Best known areas/regions:
Casablanca Valley
San Antonio
Bio Bio

New Zealand

Pinot Noir is New Zealand's second largest grape variety (after Sauvingnon Blanc).

Best known areas/regions:
Martinborough (North Island)
Central Otago (South Island)
Marlborough (South Island)

South Africa

In South Africa, Pinot Noir is the most widely planted red grape. Most of the production is focused on the cool south coast.

Best known area/region:
Walker Bay