Among the countless grape varieties grown in vineyards around the world, Pinot Noir holds a very special place. Wine lovers, aficionados, and sommeliers are ecstatic when it's mentioned. Pinot Noir—in German, Spätburgunder—is the diva among grape varieties. Difficult to grow, but when properly treated, it unfolds a refinement and finesse that is unparalleled.
But what makes this wine so special that it captivates the world of wine lovers? And why has it achieved a special status that almost seems mythical?
Pinot Noir demands everything from the winemaker, as cultivating this grape requires a great deal of sensitivity, patience, and a deep understanding of the variety. Pinot Noir also reveals its stubborn side in the cellar. Veining requires precision, and there's no hiding behind heavy oak or intense aromas. Pinot Noir must be perfectly ripened in the vineyard to preserve its transparency and authentically reflect the winemaker's signature.
Burgundy's vineyards are divided into countless parcels of land, cultivated by different winemakers. The most famous sites command top prices on the market—and this is where the magic of Pinot Noir shines. While other grape varieties often exude opulence and power, Pinot Noir seduces with subtle, delicate aromas that gain complexity with age. But the hype surrounding Burgundy also comes at a price. Demand for the top sites far exceeds supply, driving prices to dizzying heights.
1. Pinot Noir Westhofener Steingrube – Seehof Winery, Rheinhessen
Florian Fauth's Pinot Noir from the Westhofener Steingrube brings out the best of Rheinhessen. Fresh, cherry-like, spicy, and crisply dry on the palate. Aged for 18 months in used oak and bottled unfiltered, it presents itself as wild and direct.
2. Pommard Rouge 2020 – Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils, Burgundy
Pommard is synonymous with powerful yet elegant Pinots. This 2020 vintage offers dark fruit and a lovely spice, perfectly balanced by a fine tannin structure. A true classic from Burgundy.
3. Bourgogne Perrières Rouge 2020 – Domaine Jacques Prieur, Burgundy
A Villages wine that demonstrates how profound even the "simple" Pinots from Burgundy can be. The Perrières is charming, with ripe red fruits and a delicate, earthy note. It combines finesse with drinking pleasure.
4. Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru Les Lavières Rouge AOC 2020 – Domaine Chandon de Briailles, Burgundy
A Premier Cru from the heart of Burgundy, Les Lavières offers a combination of delicate fruit, floral notes, and lively acidity. A Pinot with great aging potential and a fine minerality.
But what makes this wine so special that it captivates the world of wine lovers? And why has it achieved a special status that almost seems mythical?
The challenge in the vineyard
Pinot Noir is notorious for being extremely demanding in the vineyard. The vine is sensitive and reacts to every weather condition—be it frost, excessive rain, or extreme heat. With its thin skin, it is susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew and gray mold, and only under optimal conditions does it produce its best.Pinot Noir demands everything from the winemaker, as cultivating this grape requires a great deal of sensitivity, patience, and a deep understanding of the variety. Pinot Noir also reveals its stubborn side in the cellar. Veining requires precision, and there's no hiding behind heavy oak or intense aromas. Pinot Noir must be perfectly ripened in the vineyard to preserve its transparency and authentically reflect the winemaker's signature.
The Burgundy myth and the expensive hype
When talking about Pinot Noir, there's no getting around Burgundy. This French region is considered the cradle of the grape variety and produces some of the best—and most expensive—wines in the world. What makes Burgundy special are its vineyards and its distinctive classification system. From simple "Bourgogne Rouge" and "Village" wines to the prestigious "Premier Cru" and "Grand Cru" wines, the quality and origin of the wine are clearly reflected in the label.Burgundy's vineyards are divided into countless parcels of land, cultivated by different winemakers. The most famous sites command top prices on the market—and this is where the magic of Pinot Noir shines. While other grape varieties often exude opulence and power, Pinot Noir seduces with subtle, delicate aromas that gain complexity with age. But the hype surrounding Burgundy also comes at a price. Demand for the top sites far exceeds supply, driving prices to dizzying heights.
Pinot Noir – also indispensable in champagne
Pinot Noir is not only a legend in the world of red wines, but also one of the three main grape varieties in Champagne . It brings structure, depth, and body to the sparkling wine, while Chardonnay provides freshness. Pinot Noir-focused Champagnes often have more power and richness, making them perfect food companions.4 Pinots you must try
To help you immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Pinot Noir, we've put together a small selection for you. We combine the best of Burgundy with an outstanding Pinot Noir from Rheinhessen.1. Pinot Noir Westhofener Steingrube – Seehof Winery, Rheinhessen
Florian Fauth's Pinot Noir from the Westhofener Steingrube brings out the best of Rheinhessen. Fresh, cherry-like, spicy, and crisply dry on the palate. Aged for 18 months in used oak and bottled unfiltered, it presents itself as wild and direct.
2. Pommard Rouge 2020 – Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils, Burgundy
Pommard is synonymous with powerful yet elegant Pinots. This 2020 vintage offers dark fruit and a lovely spice, perfectly balanced by a fine tannin structure. A true classic from Burgundy.
3. Bourgogne Perrières Rouge 2020 – Domaine Jacques Prieur, Burgundy
A Villages wine that demonstrates how profound even the "simple" Pinots from Burgundy can be. The Perrières is charming, with ripe red fruits and a delicate, earthy note. It combines finesse with drinking pleasure.
4. Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Cru Les Lavières Rouge AOC 2020 – Domaine Chandon de Briailles, Burgundy
A Premier Cru from the heart of Burgundy, Les Lavières offers a combination of delicate fruit, floral notes, and lively acidity. A Pinot with great aging potential and a fine minerality.
Conclusion: Pinot Noir – Complex, subtle, incomparable
Pinot Noir isn't a grape variety for everyone. It demands a lot, whether in the vineyard, in the cellar, or in the glass. But that's precisely what makes it so unique and appealing. Those who embrace Pinot Noir experience a rollercoaster of aromas and emotions—from the freshness of the red fruits to the spicy, earthy notes and often incredible longevity of the wines. Whether from legendary Burgundy or up-and-coming regions like Rheinhessen, Pinot Noir has more than earned its place in the wine world.