Top Pinot Noir Growing Countries

June 8, 2023

Top Pinot Noir Countries

Pinot Noir, one of the world’s most well known wine grapes, is grown in almost every wine producing country. Regardless of how widespread Pinot Noir is there are still certain Pinot growing countries known for producing the best examples of the grape. Here is a list of the top producing Pinot Noir countries known for their quality:

France: Pinot Noir is the primary red grape variety in the Burgundy region of France, where it is used to make some of the world’s most highly regarded and expensive wines, such as those from Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, and Vosne-Romanée.
United States: Pinot Noir is grown throughout the U.S., but the best Pinot Noirs grown and produced in Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley in California, and Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
Germany: Pinot Noir, or Spätburgunder as it’s known locally, is the most widely planted red grape variety in Germany, and is used to make light to medium-bodied wines with fresh acidity.
Italy: The most famous Pinot Noir regions of Italy include Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Veneto. Italian Pinot Noir is typically light in body and fruity in style.
New Zealand: Pinot Noir is the most widely planted red grape varietal in New Zealand. The two most famous New Zealand Pinot Noir regions are Central Otago and Marlborough in the South Island.
Australia: The best known Australian Pinot Noir regions are Victoria, Tasmania, and the Adelaide Hills. Australian Pinot Noir is typically medium-bodied with bright fruit flavors.
Chile: Pinot Noir is grown in several regions in Chile, including the Casablanca Valley and the San Antonio Valley. Chilean Pinot Noir is typically light-bodied with fresh acidity and red fruit flavors.

Famous burgundy France monastery for Pinot growing — The famous monastery landscape of the Burgundy wine region

Pinot Noir Percentage of Global Production by Region

Here are the top Pinot Noir regions in the world along with their approximate share of global production:

Region	Country	Approximate share of global production
Burgundy	France	30-35%
Champagne	France	10-15%
Alsace	France	5-10%
Oregon	United States	5-10%
California	United States	5-10%
Central Otago	New Zealand	5-10%
Martinborough	New Zealand	2-5%
Marlborough	New Zealand	2-5%
Yarra Valley	Australia	2-5%
Tasmania	Australia	2-5%
Mornington Peninsula	Australia	2-5%
Patagonia	Argentina	<1%
Casablanca Valley	Chile	<1%

What is the top Pinot Noir exporting country?

Pinot Noir is widely grown around the world, but the production is concentrated in several key countries. Unfortunately, the exact production data for each country is not readily available, and varies each year. However, based on the available data, it is estimated that the top Pinot Noir producing countries listed previously account for roughly 90-95% of global production.

It is worth noting that Pinot Noir is grown in small amounts in other countries, such as Switzerland, Austria, and Canada. While these countries currently produce only a small amount, their production levels have been increasing. Additionally, countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Moldova also grow Pinot Noir, but their production is extremely small compared to the rest of the wine world.

Pinot exporting countries — Pinot Noir grapes at harvest in Oregon

The top Pinot Noir exporting country depends on how the data is measured, and it varies from year to year. However, according to the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), 2020’s largest Pinot Noir exporter was France, followed by the United States, Italy, Germany, and New Zealand.

France has a long history and reputation for producing high-quality Pinot Noir, particularly from the Burgundy region. The United States is also a significant exporter of Pinot Noir, with California being a largest producing region. Italy, Germany, and New Zealand are also notable Pinot Noir producers and exporters, with each country offering unique styles and expressions of the grape.

Did you know? Many of the best Pinot Noir growing regions reside on or close to the 45th longitudinal parallel–whether in the northern or southern hemisphere.

It is worth remembering in addition to exporting, many of these countries also import Pinot Noir from other countries to meet their domestic demand.

Is the popularity of Pinot Noir growing or waning?

Pinot Noir enjoyed a surge of fame a couple of decades ago, and since then has remained relatively popular in the wine world. And many experts believe the popularity of Pinot Noir will actually increase in the future, especially in wine markets like the United States, China, and Japan.

Pinot Noir’s popularity is due in part to its ability to make many different kinds of styles of wine. It can be made into rosé, sparkling, and red wine. The wine it produces can also vary from light to medium body, and the taste can range from fruity to oaky to earthy. Additionally Pinot Noir is an easy wine to pair with food, and goes well with a wide range of dishes.

While the popularity of Pinot Noir may vary in different parts of the world, it remains a well-regarded, easy to drink and easy to love wine beloved by many.

Conclusion: What is the best way to find quality and affordable Pinot Noir?

One of the difficult things about Pinot Noir is the price, it is often one of the more expensive wines on the shelf. However that doesn’t mean it’s not possible to find quality Pinot Noir at an affordable price. Here are a few tips to find delicious Pinot Noir without breaking the bank:

Look for wines from lesser-known regions: As we’ve seen above Pinot Noir is grown in many regions and countries around the world. Normally the better known regions are the most expensive, so be sure to look for lesser-known regions. These less known regions are often where you can find the best cost to quality bottles. For example, wines from Oregon, Central Otago in New Zealand, or the Russian River Valley in California can be excellent and more affordable than wines from more famous regions like Burgundy.
Try wines from up-and-coming producers: Emerging winemakers and producers can offer excellent quality at a more affordable price compared to other more established wineries. Look for wines from new, smaller wineries or winemakers who are just starting to gain recognition.
Consider a blend: Many winemakers will blend Pinot Noir with other grape varieties to create more affordable and interesting wines. For example, Pinot Noir blended with Gamay, Syrah or Merlot can be a great value and offer a unique flavor profile.
Check out wine ratings and reviews: Many publications and websites offer ratings and reviews of wines, which can be a helpful guide in finding quality and affordable Pinot Noir. Look for highly-rated wines within your budget.
Attend tastings and events: Wine tastings and events can be a great way to try different Pinot Noirs from various regions and producers. Many tastings will have a range of price points, which can help you find quality and affordable options.

Overall, finding quality and affordable Pinot Noir requires some exploration and experimentation, but with these strategies, you can discover new and interesting wines from the top Pinot Noir growing countries without breaking the bank.