pinot noir

noun

pi·​not noir ˈpē-(ˌ)nō-ˈnwär 

pē-ˈnō-

variants often Pinot Noir

: a full-bodied red wine that is known for its complexity and often tangy character, that is produced especially in Burgundy, Oregon, California, and New Zealand, and that is used in the production of champagne

also : the grape itself

Examples of pinot noir in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Teneral Cellars, which recently opened its tasting room in midtown, produces a traditional-style blanc de noirs ($52) with pinot noir from Napa Valley. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 26 Dec. 2025

Now everybody puts their pinot noir in the fridge. —Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Dec. 2025

There’s a variety of excellent South African wines on offer, such as Donkiesbaai cinsault, Storm Wines pinot noir, Holden Manz Hiro rosé, and David & Nadia chenin blanc. —Heather Richardson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025

Together, the fog and wind keep the temperature cool and create grapes that ripen later and grow thicker skins, producing distinctive pinot noirs and chardonnays. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "black pinot"

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pinot noir

• boudoir
• moire