pinot noir: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized/Formal
Quick answer
What does “pinot noir” mean?
A red grape variety used to make wine, originally from Burgundy, France.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A red grape variety used to make wine, originally from Burgundy, France
Wine made from the pinot noir grape, known for its light to medium body, complex aromas, and difficulty to cultivate
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences; pronunciation variations minimal; both use French borrowing equally
Connotations
Associated with sophistication, fine dining, and premium wines in both varieties
Frequency
Equally specialized/technical term in both dialects; appears in wine literature, menus, and sommelier contexts
Grammar
How to Use “pinot noir” in a Sentence
We ordered a bottle of pinot noirThe region specializes in pinot noirThis pinot noir has notes of cherryVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pinot noir” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The pinot noir selection was impressive
American English
- We sampled several pinot noir vintages
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in hospitality, restaurant, wine retail, and import/export industries
Academic
Appears in oenology, viticulture, and gastronomy studies
Everyday
Restaurant menus, wine shop conversations, dinner party discussions
Technical
Wine production, grape cultivation, terroir analysis, tasting notes
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pinot noir”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pinot noir”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pinot noir”
- Pronouncing 'pinot' with hard /t/ sound (should be silent or soft)
- Using as countable noun without article ('I drink pinot noir' vs 'I drink a pinot noir')
- Capitalizing inconsistently (usually lowercase except at sentence start)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, pinot noir refers specifically to red wine made from the pinot noir grape, though the same grape family includes pinot gris (gray) and pinot blanc (white) variants.
The grape has thin skins, is susceptible to disease, and requires specific climate conditions, making it challenging to cultivate compared to hardier varieties.
Its medium body and acidity make it versatile with poultry, duck, salmon, mushroom dishes, and charcuterie.
Slightly cooler than room temperature (13-16°C/55-60°F) is recommended to enhance its delicate aromas and freshness.
A red grape variety used to make wine, originally from Burgundy, France.
Pinot noir is usually specialized/formal in register.
Pinot noir: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiːnəʊ ˈnwɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /piˈnoʊ ˈnwɑr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
PINOT NOIR = Pretty Intense Notes Of Tartness, Naturally Oak-Influenced Red
Conceptual Metaphor
WINE IS A LIVING ORGANISM (develops, breathes, has character)
Practice
Quiz
Pinot noir is primarily associated with which wine region?