Pinot Noir is the wine world’s drama queen – and we mean that in the best possible way. It’s notoriously fussy to grow, incredibly expressive in the glass, and adored by sommeliers and home winemakers alike. Whether you’re sipping it, serving it or crafting it yourself, here are 10 things you should know about the grape that stole Burgundy’s heart (and everyone else’s).

1. It’s known as the “heartbreak grape”

• Why? In the vineyard, it’s incredibly hard to grow: thin-skinned, prone to disease, and sensitive to climate shifts.
  
• Fun fact: The nickname has stuck for decades – especially in challenging growing regions.
  
• DIY insight: The great thing about making your own Pinot from our at-home kits? The carefully created and controlled kits eliminate those heartbreak variables so your love affair can continue.
  

2. It’s one of the oldest cultivated wine grapes 

• Backstory: Pinot Noir has been traced back to Roman times and was beloved by Cistercian monks in medieval Burgundy.
  
• Geeky fact: The varietal is genetically very close to Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.

3. Cool climate = magic

• Style traits: The signature of Pinot Noir wines is high acidity, low tannins and light body.
  
• Benchmark regions: For fans, the essential terroirs to know for this grape include Burgundy (France), Willamette Valley (Oregon), Central Otago (New Zealand), and of course, Niagara (Canada).

4. It’s the red wine for white wine lovers

• Tasting experience: There are so many reasons that Pinot Noir is the perfect wine for curious white wine fans venturing into the red category. Our top two reasons: Its signature light body and delicate tannins will appeal to those who love crisp, clean, white wine styles. Secondly, like many white wines, Pinot Noir features a signature bright acidity. (We’re talking to you, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc enthusiasts.)

5. Pinot Noir Is a food-pairing powerhouse

• Why? It’s that bright acidity, and its subtlety too, that won’t overpower delicate dishes.
  
• Top pairings: The varietal is a trusted match for dishes as varied as roast duck, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, and even turkey with cranberry sauce.

6. You can chill It (and you should!)

• How-to: Slightly chilled Pinot (around 13°C) can make the fruit shine. Serve it with a standout charcuterie board and you’ll win fans.

7. Every bottle tells a story – literally

• Style diversity: There’s a Pinot Noir style to suit every palate. Cool climate Pinots deliver that freshness but with earthy, mushroomy character (think Burgundy or Niagara). For warmer locations, Pinots will typically boast a more fruity core. Hello, bright cherry bombs from California.
  
• Geeky fact: Pinot Noir reflects its environment or terroir more than almost any other red grape.

8. It’s not just for red wine 

• Surprise: Did you know that Pinot Noir is actually one of the permissible and primary grapes used in the making of Champagne? And in various sparkling rosé wine styles, too!
  
• DIY insight: Remember the grape’s complexity and versatility, and trust it as a crowd pleaser. That holds whether you opt for a wine kit that’s a cool or warm-climate Pinot Noir style.

9. It ages beautifully (If you can wait)

• Time transforms: Pinot Noir’s flavours evolve over time from fresh cherry and raspberry to earthy forest floor and dried rose.
  
• Pro tip: Tuck away a few bottles from your batch for a rainy day reveal.

10. You can totally make it at home

• DIY insight: Pinot Noir might be hard to grow, but making this iconic wine style at home with RJS kits is straightforward and rewarding.
  

Whether you’re sipping a glass of Burgundy or bottling your first batch, Pinot Noir has a way of pulling you in. It’s complex, charismatic, and a little bit moody – just like the best characters in your favorite book or streaming series. Ready to craft your own?

Explore our Pinot Noir wine kits and start crafting your own legendary red:

• En Primeur Winery Series Australia Pinot Noir
• Cru International British Columbia Pinot Noir Style

Cheers!