Pinot Noir: The “Heartbreak Grape”🍷💔

Pinot Noir is known as the “heartbreak grape” because of its delicate thin skin, which makes it susceptible to pests, rot, damage, and mutation. The heartbreak comes when these fragile little grapes suffer in the vineyard or during the wine-making process. However, with careful handling and care, these sensitive grapes can be made into one of the most beloved and elegant red wines.

Pinot Noir originates in France and is one of the oldest wine grape varieties. Some of the best Pinot Noir comes from the Burgundy region in France, which is also why it is often referred to as red Burgundy. It is also used in the making of Champagne (the exception is Blanc de Blanc, which is 100% Chardonnay).

Despite Pinot Noir’s delicate nature, it grows well in many cool climates such as northern France (obviously), the US (Oregon), Canada (BC and Ontario) and Germany. Wines from these cooler climates are elegant and complex with flavours and aromas of raspberries, cranberries, red cherries, mushrooms, and earthy qualities.

Pinot Noir also grows well in warmer climates such as the US (California), Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina. Wines from these warmer regions are riper, more intense, and richer. Despite the differences in climates, Pinot Noir is typically a light-bodied red wine, with good acidity, and smooth tannins. It is also the most versatile of red wines, pairing well with most cuisine.

Canadian Pinot Noir recommendations:

Spearhead 2020 Club Consensus Pinot Noir (BC)

Stag’s Hollow 2020 Pinot Noir (BC)

Blasted Church 2021 Pinot Noir (BC)

Le Clos Jordanne 2020 Claystone Terrace Pinot Noir (Ont)

Malivoire 2021 Mottiar Pinot Noir (Ont)

Unsworth Vineyards 2021 Pinot Noir (BC)

Arrowleaf 2021 Pinot Noir (BC)

Meyer 2022 Pinot Noir (BC)

Pelee Island 2021 Pinot Noir (Ont)

Blue Grouse 2020 Pinot Noir (BC)

Lakeview 2021 Pinot Noir (Ont)

Tawse 2021 Grower’s Blend Pinot Noir (Ont)

Check out some of the best Pinot Noir coming from these regions: France (Cote d’Or), the US (California (Sonoma), Oregon (Willamette Valley), New Zealand (Central Otago and Marlborough).

In the 2004 Oscar winning film Sideways, part romantic comedy, part serious homage to wine, the lead character delivers a heartfelt tribute to the pinot noir grape. As a result, pinot sales everywhere rocketed. Burgundy could, of course, be the subject of a whole column devoted to its magnificent wines – and indeed much has been written on the subject. But its pinots can be overpriced. 

2021 SpearHead Pinot Noir Saddle Block

94 points. This estate-grown Pinot Noir has emerged as one of the best examples of this varietal; and still affordable. After the grapes were harvested by hand, 90% of the clusters were destemmed. After a seven-day cold soak, fermentation was done with indigenous yeast. The wine was aged 13 months in French oak barrels (25% new). Aromas of cherry and raspberry leap from the glass. On the palate, there are flavours of dark cherry and blackberry with notes of forest floor to add complexity.