Pinot Noir - Let's Deep Dive On This Red Wine

What is Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir Pronunciation: It’s “Pee-no Nwahr.” Say it like you’re exhaling a secret.

Pinot Noir isn’t just wine; it’s a whole mood. It’s that one friend who’s effortlessly cool and a little high-maintenance but always worth it. Named after a black pine cone because of its tightly clustered grapes, this light-to-medium-bodied red brings smoothness and subtle sass in every sip.

Is Pinot Noir Red or White? 

Look, Pinot Noir is a red wine. Period. But if winemakers decide to press those grapes quickly and skip the skins, you can get a rare White Pinot Noir. It’s like Pinot Noir’s minimalist cousin who only wears beige.

What Does Pinot Noir Taste Like?

Pinot Noir wines are fruit-forward, typically highlighting the fruity flavors of red fruits such as red currant, cranberries, red berries, red cherries, and black cherries. Rich aromas of black cherries, chocolate, strawberries, and black tea are typical.

It typically boasts a light red berry flavor profile while providing violets, roses, and forest floor undertones. Low tannins help support low acidity and less bitterness.

Is Pinot Noir Sweet? 

Nope. Pinot Noir is a dry red wine, but its bright fruitiness can fool your palate into thinking there’s a whisper of sweetness. The benefits of being dry? Being low on sugar - Mai Vino’s Pinot is fermented dry so there is actually zero sugar per serving. 

How Does Pinot Noir Differ from Other Reds?

Compared to Merlot, it’s more elegant. Next to Cabernet, it’s less intense but smoother. And Syrah? Well, Syrah is the leather jacket, and Pinot Noir is the perfectly worn-in vintage tee. Don’t expect it to be a flavor bomb; expect it to be refined and subtle in taste. When take a swig, swirl it in your mouth and let it linger to get the full flavor. 

Where Does Pinot Noir Come From? 

Pinot Noir is primarily grown around the world in cooler climates. Pinot Noir is mainly associated with Burgundy, France, where winemakers treat Pinot Noir like a firstborn child—meticulous care, limestone soils, and centuries-old traditions like whole cluster fermentation.

Pinot Noir grapes originated in Burgundy, France. It’s believed that some of the world’s best Pinot Noir wines come from the Burgundy region; the tending of Burgundian Pinot Noir grapes dates back to the Middle Ages.

However, it’s not only the show in town. Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina are all known to produce high-quality Pinot Noir varietals. Otago, New Zealand Winemakers have also staked their domain in the Pinot Noir “hall of fame.”

In Chile, Mai Vino’s Pinot Noir is grown on original Burgundian rootstock. What does that mean? During the 19th century, a plant disease wiped out all the vines in Europe. European vines were grafted on American rootstock resistant to phylloxera to save the wine industry. Luckily, Chile did not get the disease, which is why it is known for having some of the oldest vines in the world.

The “New World” also has a fair stake in the world’s Pinot Noir production. California Pinot Noirs — typically hailing from Carneros, the Napa Valley, Santa Barbara’s Rita Hills, and Monterey or Sonoma counties — are popular among even the most critical wine enthusiasts. Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir wines from the Russian River Valley are among the most coveted American wines. Oregon’s Willamette Valley is also a notable producer, as well.

This type of grape thrives in cool climates. In warmer regions (like Italy), they may be grown near bodies of water. The overall taste of the wine typically reflects its terroir. Most Pinot Noir is finely aged in neutral French oak barrels before release; this gives the wine light vanilla and oak flavors.

Best Pinot Noir? 

Great Pinot Noir does not only come from Burgundy. Don’t sleep on Chilean, Sonoma’s Russian River Valley or Oregon’s Willamette Valley. And Mai Vino Pinot Noir…it’s organic, made in the Burgundian style, and naturally fermented dry, so you’re getting a sugar free wine. Grab a Mai Vino Pinot Noir pouch and taste it for yourself. 

Handcrafted Organic Natural Sugar Free Wines With a Green Footprint

Mai Vino wines are handcrafted and organic, always crafted with intention. We’re a female-founded winery based out of New York on a mission the change the organic wine game.

Enjoying a glass of great wine shouldn’t be difficult, expensive, or harmful to the environment. We’re proud to create some of the best wines that are completely free from pesticides and herbicides.

Enjoying your wine in pouches rather than from a glass bottle reduces wine’s carbon footprint by 80%.

Check out our online wine store to browse our current selection of the best wines online. From Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, we’ve got something for everyone. Our products are also available in over 350 physical retail locations; use our wine store locator to find some Mai Vino near you!