Originating in France’s Burgundy region, Pinot Noir is now grown in many countries and has earned a reputation for its complexity, elegance, and versatility. One of the most exciting regions for Pinot Noir production today is New World, which includes the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, South Africa, and of course Canada.
Pinot Noir grapes were first planted in the New World by French settlers in the early 19th century. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that New World Pinot Noir began to gain international recognition. This was thanks in part to the work of pioneering winemakers such as David Lett of Oregon’s Eyrie Vineyards, who was one of the first to plant Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, and Richard Sanford of Sanford Winery in California’s Santa Barbara County, who helped to establish the region as a premier Pinot Noir producer.
New World Pinot Noir is known for its fruit-forward style, with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry being common. Unlike Old World Pinot Noir, which is often described as earthy and subtle, New World Pinot Noir is often richer and more opulent, with higher alcohol levels and a bolder expression of fruit. However, there is still a great deal of variation between New World Pinot Noir regions, and each has its own unique style and flavor profile.
Oregon Pinot Noir, for example, is known for its bright acidity, silky tannins, and delicate floral and spice notes. California Pinot Noir is often richer and more full-bodied, with flavors of dark fruit and hints of chocolate and coffee. New Zealand Pinot Noir is known for its bright red fruit flavors and intense aromatics, while Australian Pinot Noir often has a more savory character, with notes of herbs and spices.
Pinot Noir is one of the most beloved wine varieties in the world, and Canada’s Niagara Region has become a hub for producing high-quality Pinot Noir wines. The cool climate and limestone-rich soils of Niagara’s Escarpment provides ideal growing conditions for the grape variety, allowing winemakers to craft complex and nuanced wines that express the unique terroir of the region. Pinot Noir wines from the Niagara Region often exhibit bright acidity, subtle tannins, and rich fruit flavors, making them an excellent choice for pairing with a wide range of foods.
In recent years, the Niagara Peninsula has gained a reputation as one of Canada’s premier wine regions, with Pinot Noir playing a significant role in the region’s success. Many wineries in the area specialize in producing Pinot Noir wines, each with their own unique style and approach. Some of the most renowned Niagara Peninsula Pinot Noir producers include Tawse Winery, Hidden Bench Vineyards, 13th Street Winery, and new up and coming wineries such as Villa Romana Estate Winery. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply a lover of good wine, a visit to the Niagara region is an excellent opportunity to discover the best of Canadian Pinot Noir.
