Pinot Noir, the 'heartbreak grape' of the wine world, is a complex and elegant red wine that deserves the love it gets. Renowned for its challenging cultivation and finicky nature (hence the unsubtle nickname), Pinot Noir rewards winemakers with wines that are extraordinary.

Let's dive deeper into the world of Pinot Noir and discover why it's a wine worth exploring in the Mudgee Region.

What is Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir is a red grape that has a thin skin and therefore creates many challenges when growing. Pinot grapes produce elegant and complex wines that are one of the most highly prized wines in the world.

Pinot Noir is a bit of a chameleon. Its flavour profile can change dramatically depending on where it's grown and the conditions of that particular vintage. This temperamental grape can produce wines that range from light and fruity to rich and complex, making it a fascinating study for wine lovers.

Pinot Noir is also known as Pinot Nero, Spätburgunder & Blauburgunder

Pinot Noir Profile

Aromatics: Swirl a glass of Pinot Noir and take in its aroma. You might detect notes of ripe red berries like cherry and raspberry, complemented by hints of spice, earth and sometimes even a touch of floral sweetness.

Flavours: On the palate, Pinot Noir can be light and fruity, or rich and complex, depending on the terroir and winemaking style. Common flavours include raspberry, cherry, mushroom, vanilla and hibiscus, all balanced by bright acidity and silky tannins.

Body: Pinot Noir is a delicate creature, often light to medium-bodied, with silky tannins and bright acidity. Its lower tannin levels, thanks to those thin grape skins, make for a smooth and elegant mouthfeel. Typically, you'll find the alcohol content around 12-14%.

Winemaking: Crafting a great Pinot Noir is an art form. From the moment the grapes are harvested to the final bottling, winemakers have to pay attention to detail. Techniques like cold soaking, gentle pressing and ageing in oak barrels can significantly influence the final character of the wine - hence the huge range of styles of Pinot Noir!

A Bit of History

Pinot Noir's history is as interesting as its flavour profile. Its origins are a bit of a mystery, but it's believed to have roots in the Burgundy region of France, where it's been cultivated for centuries. The unique terroir of Burgundy, with its diverse soils and microclimates, has historically earned a reputation as the home for this fickle grape.

Over time, Pinot Noir has spread its tendrils to wine regions around the globe, each imparting its own unique character to the grape and allowing new styles of Pinot Noir to form. From the cool climate vineyards of Oregon and New Zealand to the warmer climates of California and Australia (hello Mudgee Region!), Pinot Noir has proven its adaptability.

How to Enjoy Pinot Noir Like a Pro

Pinot Noir is best enjoyed slightly chilled, around 12-15°C. Decanting the wine can help release its aromatic potential, allowing the complex flavours to show.

When it comes to pairing, Pinot Noir fits a lot of briefs. Some classic pairings include:

Roasted Duck: The rich, savoury flavours of roasted duck complement Pinot Noir's fruitiness and acidity.
Grilled Salmon: The delicate flavours of grilled salmon are enhanced by Pinot Noir's bright acidity.
Mushroom Dishes: The earthy notes in Pinot Noir pair well with the umami flavours of mushrooms.
Cheese: Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert are a classic pairing with Pinot Noir.
Charcuterie: The complex flavours of charcuterie, such as salami and prosciutto, can complement the tannins in Pinot Noir.

The More You 'Pi-Know': 6 Facts to Impress at Your Next Dinner Party

Pinot Noir has been around the block a few times, tracing its roots back centuries. It's a true OG of the wine world. It's over 1000 years older than Cabernet Sauvignon with roots (pun intended) back to the Roman area.
Despite being a bit of a diva, Pinot Noir is the sixth most-planted grape variety worldwide.
Pinot Noir isn't the only kid on the block. It has a couple of colourful siblings: Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, both of which are colour mutations of the original grape.
With over 1,000 identified clones, Pinot Noir can be anything from a delicate drop to a bold, powerhouse of a wine. It's a true shape-shifter.
Don't let its elegance fool you. Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to grow, hence it's unsubtle nickname "Heartbreak Grape."
The name "Pinot Noir" comes from the French words "pine" and "black," referencing the grape's tightly clustered, pine cone-shaped bunches.

Pinot Noir: Mudgee Region's Unexpected Crush

While the Mudgee Region is often known for its bold reds, not as many people know we produce some bloody good Pinot Noir. A few Mudgee winemakers are embracing this challenging grape, sometimes sourcing grapes from our cooler, higher-altitude regions like Rylstone and even further afield.

De Beaurepaire, a celebrated Rylstone winery, is a prime example. Their vineyard, with its Burgundy-like latitude, offers the perfect conditions for cultivating Pinot Noir. It's a testament to the unique terroir of the Region and is a must-visit in your Pinot Noir pilgrimage.

Here's where to try some of our favourite Pinots in the Mudgee Region:

De Beaurepaire Wines

The De Beaurepaire family is pushing the boundaries of Mudgee Region's wine scene with their stunning Pinot Noir. Their "Perceval" Pinot Noir is a classic, cool-climate expression, while their "Richard" Reserve Pinot Noir offers a more concentrated and complex experience. Both wines showcase the unique terroir of Rylstone, a region with a surprising similarity to Burgundy. De Beaurepaire's cellar door offers a chance to taste these exceptional wines, learn from the passionate family vignerons and immerse yourself in the beauty of Rylstone.

Gooree Park

Gooree Park is more than just a winery; it's a lifestyle destination. This family-owned estate offers a unique experience, with stunning vineyard views and the chance to spot a thoroughbred horse or two. Their Pinot Noir is a testament to their commitment to quality, offering a balanced and elegant wine with flavours of red cherry, raspberry and spice. A visit to their cellar door is a must-do when visiting Mudgee.

Logan Wines

Logan Wines in Apple Tree Flat, is a must-visit for any wine lover. With panoramic views of the stunning Apple Tree Flat valley and the famous rolling hills of Mudgee, their cellar door offers a truly memorable experience. Their Pinot Noir is a standout, a full-bodied and complex wine with flavours of cherry, plum and spice. It's the perfect pairing for a leisurely afternoon, taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Martins Hill Organic Wines

Martins Hill is a pioneer in organic viticulture. Their Pinot Noir is a testament to their commitment to sustainable practices, offering a vibrant fruit profile with notes of cherry and raspberry. While their 'wine shed' cellar door is only open by appointment, you might catch Mike and Kim at local markets or wine events, where you can taste their wines and learn more about their organic practices.

The Cellar by Gilbert

The Cellar by Gilbert offers a range of Pinots, each with its own unique character. From the elegant and refined to the bold and complex, there's a Gilbert Pinot Noir to suit every palate. Their cellar door, conveniently located alongside a local cheese factory, offers an awesome experience. Sample their wines with a delicious cheese and charcuterie board, creating the perfect opportunity to pick your favourite Pinot.

So, there you have it. Pinot Noir, a grape that's complex and intriguing (and a source of many a winemaker's stress). While Mudgee Region may be renowned for its bold Shiraz, it's also home to some exceptional Pinot Noir. Do yourself a favour and experience the diversity of Mudgee Region's wine scene - you might just find your new favourite wine.

To discover more, visit our Cellar Door page.