Soft, smooth, silky, seductive… these are all words that can be used to describe a wonderful pinot noir. Without doubt, this is the most romantic of wines. The aroma, the beautiful light flavour, the sensation – we maintain that pinot noir the perfect wine for Valentine’s Day. In this article, we take a deeper look at the wine of lovers!

Whether you’re planning a cosy night in with your love or enjoying a celebration with a friend, a bottle of pinot noir is the ideal companion. These younger grapes are light and enticing, without overburdening a meal. A good pinot noir is a sensual wine that will complement food, ambiance and mood.

Let’s have a closer look at pinot noir

Did you know that pinot noir even pre-dates cabernet sauvignon? This grape has been around for centuries and was cultivated by Cistercian monks in Burgundy. Pinot noir is almost worshipped by wine enthusiasts around the world, due to the consistent quality of the grape and wine it produces. Burgundy the biggest region of France for pinot noir – particularly the Côte-d’Or area – but many other parts of the world now grow this grape variety, known for producing wonderful wine, year after year. 

The grape itself can be difficult to grow, but works well in cooler climates. The vines produce tightly-packed grapes, which can allow the potential for rot if not well-maintained. Their thin skins create a light-coloured, medium-bodied and low-tannin wine. When young, these wines tend to have red fruit aromas of cherries, raspberries and strawberries. As the wine ages, pinot has the potential to develop more savoury aromas – but done right, it can excite and delight. You might recognise this grape from the movie Sideways, and indeed this well-finessed wine is often popular with experts, enthusiasts and collectors. Because it can be difficult to grow, you’ll often see higher price points – but you’ll also be getting some top-quality wine.

One of the world’s favourite reds, pinot noir is a dry, light- to medium-bodied wine with light acidity, silky tannins and usually an alcohol range of 12-15%. The taste can vary depending on producer, but overall a cooler climate produces a lighter wine while a warmer climate will produce a more full-bodied wine.

These wines are best served at room temperature. It can last for about three days after being opened, but will begin to oxidise after that.

What to serve with pinot noir?

Keep flavours light so that the food doesn’t compete and the wine is not overpowered: a harmony of delicate tastes will work well. While red wines are usually destined to be served with red meat like beef, duck and lamb – and pinot noir will do well with these pairings – it’s also light enough to be a good match for chicken, turkey, rabbit or salmon.

We have a superb range of Pinot noirs!

Firstly, our fantastic Valentine’s Day collection: La Romance.

This romance-forward collection of wines includes a pinot noir that is a direct route into the heart of your loved one…

Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Domaine Joillot 2018

This Bourgogne is a perfect introduction for anyone new to this grape. With aromas of red fruit and a balanced acidity, this is a relaxed and refreshing wine. 

Mercurey “Buissonnier” 2018

This exciting wine offers beautiful aromas of small red fruits supported by a firm but elegant tannic structure, which will soften with ageing.

Nuits Saint-Georges, Domaine Remoriquet 2018

A fine example with a strong colour, expressing its class and sophistication with fruity and floral notes.

Pommard, Domaine Joillot 2017

Mister Joillot’s Pommard strikes a balance on acidity in its first years, then it becomes rounded over time. Classic and sophisticated, we think it’s at its best when aged for 4-5 years.