Pinot Noir
A red grape highly prized for producing complex, perfumed wines, but tricky to cultivate.
This delicate variety allows winemakers to experiment and produce a diverse range of wines, depending on the techniques they use, and the soil and climate vines have been grown in.
Styles of Pinot Noir can range from bright and fruit-driven, with plum, cherry and currant notes, to alluring wines perfumed with violets and subtle spices, or more masculine, fuller wines with aromas of licorice, coffee bean and cassis.
Regional characteristics
Pinot Noir is a variety that thrives in a cooler climate, and it has found a natural home away from home in New Zealand.
At Villa Maria we grow all of our Pinot Noir in South Island’s Marlborough region.
The hallmarks of Marlborough Pinot Noir are lifted aromas of mature red cherries and red berry fruits, often with spice and violet notes. The palate has luscious layers of dense red and black fruits with subtle tannins.
Food matching
Pinot Noir is an extremely food friendly variety that can be perfectly paired with game meats, especially duck, or matched with fresh tangy salads, such as balsamic roasted beetroot, pinenuts and feta cheese.
