About Pinot Noir

About Pinot Noir

About Pinot Noir

Light-bodied yet complex, delivering bright red fruit and earthy notes, excelling in Yarra Valley and Tasmania.

The Story of Pinot Noir in Australia

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most loved—and most challenging—grape varieties. Originally from Burgundy, France, it has found a home in Australia’s cooler wine regions, producing elegant, expressive wines with bright fruit and layered complexity.

The first Pinot Noir vines were introduced to Australia in the 1830s by James Busby, but it wasn’t until the late 20th century that winemakers truly unlocked its potential. Today, regions like the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Tasmania produce some of the finest examples of Pinot Noir outside of France.

Famous Regions for Australian Pinot Noir

  • Yarra Valley – Produces refined, complex Pinot Noir with red fruit, silky tannins, and a touch of earthiness.
  • Mornington Peninsula – Coastal influence creates bright, aromatic Pinot Noir with fresh acidity.
  • Tasmania – A top region for cool-climate Pinot, offering purity, elegance, and age-worthiness.
  • Adelaide Hills – High-altitude vineyards deliver bright cherry, floral, and spice-driven styles.
  • Great Southern – A hidden gem, producing delicate yet structured Pinot with vibrant acidity.

What Does Pinot Noir Taste Like?

Pinot Noir is all about finesse and complexity. Expect red fruit flavours like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, alongside floral, earthy, and sometimes smoky notes. Australian Pinot Noir varies in style—some are bright and fresh, while others develop savoury mushroom, spice, and forest floor characters with age.

Winemaking Styles & New Trends

Winemakers are taking a more natural approach to Pinot Noir, embracing wild fermentation, whole-bunch inclusion for extra spice and structure, and minimal oak to highlight purity of fruit. Some producers are also experimenting with amphora ageing, carbonic maceration (for a juicier, lighter style), and single-vineyard expressions.

Similar Wines to Try

  • Gamay – A light, juicy red with bright fruit and floral notes, similar to young Pinot Noir.
  • Nebbiolo – More tannic but shares Pinot’s red fruit, acidity, and complexity.
  • Grenache – Offers a bit more body but retains elegance and red berry-driven flavours.
  • Cabernet Franc – A lighter alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon with herbal, red fruit-driven character.

Recommended Australian Pinot Noir

Looking to try a great Pinot Noir? These handpicked selections offer the best of Australian Pinot:

Food Pairing with Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is incredibly versatile at the table. Its bright acidity and soft tannins make it a perfect match for dishes like duck, mushroom risotto, roast chicken, or even salmon. Lighter Pinots pair beautifully with charcuterie, while richer, aged Pinots stand up to game meats.

Explore Australian Pinot Noir

At Wine Simple, we stock a handpicked selection of incredible Australian Pinot Noir wines. Whether you're after a bright, fruit-driven style or a savoury, complex expression, we’ve got a bottle for you.

Looking for the perfect Pinot? Browse our selection here.

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At Wine Simple, we bring the best of Australian wine straight to your door. From Barossa Shiraz to Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, every bottle is selected by founder Matt Chalmers. We support small producers and focus on quality wines you won’t find in the big stores.