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Pinot Noir grapes hanging off a vine

Pinot Noir

COOL-CLIMATE CHARM

View photo credit
Andre Castellucci

Silky and elegant Pinot Noir wine has claimed its place as one of Australia’s heavy-hitting reds. Thanks to passionate winemakers, quality is at an all-time high. 

4,948HA
Total Plantings
1840s
First Plantings

Australian Pinot Noir is delicate and food-friendly with flavours of cherries and red berries. It’s also commonly used in sparkling wines. Pinot Noir is one of the hardest grapes to grow, but producers in Australia’s cooler climates have mastered the art – and it’s never been better. 

In the Glass

Pinot Noir grapes hanging off a vine
View photo credit
© Andre Castellucci

Style and Character

Australia produces a range of different styles influenced by region and exciting winemaking techniques. It’s an elegant and satiny wine that’s lighter in style than bold reds like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

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©Ewen Bell

Pairs with

Salmon, chicken, duck, pork, cured meats, pâté and terrine, comté cheese.

Typical Flavours

Flavours that can be found in Pinot Noir wines:
Strawberry
Raspberry
Cherry

In the Winery

Stacked wine barrels
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© Andre Castellucci

Ageing

Some top-quality Pinot Noir from cool climates can be aged for 10–15 years. As it ages, it develops savoury, earthy flavours. Store it in a cool, dark and dry place where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate. Wines sealed under cork should be stored lying down. 

Bottles with wax tops
View photo credit
© Ewen Bell

Drinkability

There are some high-end, cool-climate Pinot Noir wines that benefit from a few years of ageing to let their flavours develop. But most Australian Pinot is made for early drinking – it rarely requires ageing to be enjoyed.