This varietal has small, dark berries with a thin and delicate skin which translates to less juice being extracted as well as a lighter colour (wine receives its colour from the skins – less skin, lighter colour). It’s known as ‘the heartbreak grape’ because the vines are extremely susceptible to the elements of nature requiring a lot of attention, time and energy – but one bad bout of weather could be the end of your vintage. An extreme amount of care and many watchful eyes are needed during the growing process and maintaining Pinot Noir vines.

“During harvest time, when Cellar Masters and Winemakers look frazzled and tired – it’s probably because they work with Pinot Noir!” – Takuan von Arnim

Pinot Noir as a wine is dry and elegant making it a light, well-structured and a complex wine. It is amongst the most versatile and stylistically diverse grapes in the world. From Cap Classiques to Rosé, blends, oaked, unoaked, aged or young … there is a kaleidoscope of shades when it comes to Pinot Noir.