Geography
Home is Burgundy, France. Also produced in California, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Eastern Europe.

Viticulture
Will not tolerate heat well. Thrives in a moderately cool climate. Sensitive to both wet and dry conditions.

Varietal/Blend
Used in most red Burgundy wines. Also in the bulk of Champagne production (white and pink).

Flavour & Character
Predominantly raspberry and strawberry, with a hint of game.

Vinification
For red wines, fermented at temperatures up to 30 ºC. Good Burgundies are always matured in new oak.

Style
Varies from complex and silky to plain and insipid.

Body, Dry/Sweet
Varies from medium to light bodied wines.

Notes
Does not travel well. Outside Burgundy, with a few exceptions, lacks colour and depth. There are some successful Californian Pinot Noirs. Also known as Spätburgunder in Germany and Pinot Nero in Italy.