BACK TO SCHOOL: PINOT NOIR & CHARDONNAY

04/10/2024
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay: two iconic grapes

When it comes to iconic grape varieties, few can match the stature of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These two stalwarts of the wine world have garnered devoted followings, thanks to their unique characteristics and the remarkable expressions they take on across different terroirs. Let’s explore what makes these grapes so very special...

At first glance, your glasses of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay may seem like an unlikely pair, yet they share a strong connection. Both grapes flourish in the world-renowned vineyards of Burgundy, where the combination of limestone-rich soils and a cool climate creates a perfect environment for their development. Here, Pinot Noir expresses its delicate charm—think vibrant red fruits layered with earthy nuances—while Chardonnay showcases a brilliant spectrum ranging from the crisp minerality of Chablis to the lush, buttery richness of the Cote D'Or.

However, despite their shared roots, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have each carved out their own identities. Pinot Noir, often lauded for elegance, offers red fruit (cherries, raspberries, cranberries) and hints of earthiness when ages. It is a wine that is known to invites exploration, full of complexity that can vary dramatically depending on its origin, how much sun it receives, and how it is aged. But - it is a real pain to grow! Colloquially known as the 'heartbreak grape' it has thin skins and falls prey to all manner of fungal diseases, needs a cool climate or it can accumulate too much sugar, and can even get sunburnt. This is why (good) Pinot Noir is never inexpensive - but if you're looking for it, Chile might be a good option?

(Just so you know: in Germany, the grape is known as Spätburgunder - same grape!)

Chardonnay, on the other hand, is the epitome of versatility. From the steely, mineral-driven Chablis of Burgundy to the lush, tropical expressions found in the warmer regions of New Zealand, California and South Africa, Chardonnay adapts beautifully to its environment. It grows in cool, moderate and warm climates and is equally at home in a bulk blend on the bottom shelf of the corner shop (we don't recommend) as it is in a Grand Cru. It is also a winemakers wine, in that as a relatively neutral variety it responds tremendously well to the vinicultural options of oak fermentation or maturation, malolactic conversion, and lees-stirring. These choices can add texture, body, as well as smoky, toasty, buttery or creamy characteristics to the wine.

And where do these grapes come together? In Champagne of course. Here, both grapes come together in harmony, producing some of the world’s finest sparkling wines. The crisp acidity of Chardonnay complements the fruit-forward nature of Pinot Noir, and this is a combination copied around the globe.

The widespread appeal of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay definitely owes a lot to the global success of Burgundy but there's plenty more to discover. Both grapes continue to inspire winemakers and consumers alike, and it is always worth exploring new expressions and alternative regions for both.