Top Ten Books on Pinot Noir

Top Ten Books on Pinot Noir

Why read books on Pinot Noir?

Reading books on Pinot Noir can provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation for this complex and nuanced grape variety. Here are a few reasons why reading books on Pinot Noir can be beneficial:

1. Learn about the history and origins of Pinot Noir: By reading books on Pinot Noir, you can learn about the grape variety’s history, including where it originated and how it has evolved over time. This can help you better understand why Pinot Noir is so highly regarded in the wine world.
2. Gain a better understanding of Pinot Noir’s characteristics: Pinot Noir is a grape variety that is highly sensitive to its growing environment and can produce wines with a wide range of flavors and aromas. By reading books on Pinot Noir, you can learn about the grape’s unique characteristics, including its preferred growing conditions, the different styles of wine it can produce, and the factors that influence its flavor profile.
3. Discover the different regions that produce Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is grown in many different regions around the world, each with its own unique growing conditions and winemaking traditions. By reading books on Pinot Noir, you can learn about the different regions that produce this grape variety, including their history, terroir, and the styles of wine they produce.
4. Improve your wine tasting skills: Pinot Noir is a complex wine that requires a keen sense of taste and smell to fully appreciate. By reading books on Pinot Noir, you can learn about the different flavors and aromas that are commonly found in this grape variety, and develop your wine tasting skills to better appreciate and evaluate Pinot Noir wines.
5. Discover food pairing options: Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that can be paired with a wide range of foods. By reading books on Pinot Noir, you can learn about the different foods that pair well with this grape variety, and discover new and interesting food pairing options.

Overall, reading books on Pinot Noir can be a great way to deepen your knowledge and appreciation of this complex and fascinating grape variety, and to enhance your enjoyment of Pinot Noir wines.

Here is our Top 10 list of favorite books on Pinot Noir:

10. The Heartbreak Grape: The Search for the Perfect Pinot Noir by Marq de Villiers

Pinot Noir is a finicky but highly sought-after grape variety, and this book dives into its history, character, and cultivation. The book’s commencement offers a brief history of Pinot Noir and its origin in France’s Burgundy region. The body of the book is a description of the author’s travels to various Pinot Noir-producing regions across the world and his tasting impressions of the wines produced there. As he travels, he interviews wine experts, such as winemakers, collectors, and wine enthusiasts, and gains insight into the history, culture, and science behind his favorite wine. In the last chapters, the author reflects on her wine-drinking adventures, the enduring appeal of Pinot Noir, and the arduous process of tracking down and enjoying the perfect bottle.

9. Grail, The: A year ambling & shambling through an Oregon vineyard in pursuit of the best pinot noir wine in the whole wild world by Brian Doyle

The book follows the author, Brian Doyle, as he spends a year exploring the world of Pinot Noir in Oregon. The book begins with an introduction to the history and characteristics of Pinot Noir and the unique terroir of the Oregon wine region. Throughout the book, the author visits various vineyards and wineries in Oregon, tasting the Pinot Noir wines produced there and learning about the people and processes behind their production. Along the way, he encounters a host of colorful characters and delves into the history and culture of the Oregon wine industry. The conclusion of the book reflects on the author’s journey and the enduring appeal of Pinot Noir, as well as the challenges and rewards of finding and enjoying the best bottles.

8. Pinot Noir: The New Zealand Story by John Saker

The book explores the history, characteristics, and production of Pinot Noir in New Zealand. The book begins with an introduction to the history of Pinot Noir and its origins in the Burgundy region of France, as well as the role of Pinot Noir in the development of the New Zealand wine industry. The body of the book delves into the various regions and styles of Pinot Noir produced in New Zealand, including the impact of climate, soil, and winemaking techniques on the flavor and quality of the wines. The author also discusses the challenges and rewards of growing and producing Pinot Noir in New Zealand, as well as the unique terroir of the region and its potential for producing high-quality Pinot Noir. The conclusion of the book offers recommendations for collectors and wine enthusiasts looking to explore the world of Pinot Noir in New Zealand, including tips for choosing and storing these wines.

7. Vertical: Passion and Pinot on the Oregon Wine Trail: Wine Blogger Early Review Edition by Rex Pickett and Michele Phillips

Writers and wine enthusiasts Rex Pickett and Michele Phillips give us the lowdown on Pinot Noir and Oregon vino. The writers take their readers along on their Pinot Noir-tasting adventure along the Oregon Wine Trail. The writers of this intriguing account of their travels share their impressions of the wines they taste and the locals they meet. The unique terroir of Oregon is discussed, as are the difficulties and successes of the state’s vintners. The book delves into Oregon wine, namely Pinot Noir, from an in-depth and insightful perspective. Still, the book delves further into topics like ardor, exploration, and wine’s significance in our lives.

6. In Search of Pinot Noir by Benjamin Lewin MW

The book is devoted to Pinot Noir, a finicky grape variety with subtle flavors and smells. The book begins by tracing the history of Pinot Noir back to its birthplace in Burgundy, France. This book examines the impact of climate and weather on Pinot Noir, the winemaking process, and the resulting flavor. The author also looks at the many growing regions and Pinot Noir varieties across the world, discussing the challenges and rewards of each. Collectors and wine enthusiasts may find useful information on selecting and aging Pinot Noir in the last chapters of the book.

5. King Estate Pinot Noir Cookbook by Stephanie Pearl Kimmel and John Rizzo

A Pinot Noir wine recipe book. This book by Stephanie Pearl Kimmel and John Rizzo introduces Pinot Noir, its flavors, and the foods that match well with it. The book is organized course-by-course, with sections devoted to starters, main dishes, desserts, and wine and cheese. We have included wine-pairing suggestions for each course. Several delicious and unique recipes, as well as the authors’ anecdotes about their time spent at the King Estate Winery and sampling Pinot Noir, are included in the book.

4. Passion for Pinot: A Journey Through America’s Pinot Noir Country by Jordan Mackay, Robert Holmes, et al.

Production of Pinot Noir in the United States is the subject of this book. This book covers Pinot Noir worldwide, with chapters dedicated to specific regions and wineries. In each section, you will learn about the vineyard’s specific Pinot Noir types and get insights into the vintage’s overall flavor profile. The book also includes information on pairing Pinot Noir with food. There are several discussions on wines, people, and places. They talk about the ups and downs of winemaking and the history and terroir of the American Pinot Noir sector. At the book’s close, the author offers tips on choosing and aging American Pinot Noirs to satisfy the needs of wine collectors.

3. North American Pinot Noir by John Winthrop Haeger

The book starts with a brief background on the origins and characteristics of Pinot Noir, covering topics such as the grape’s taste profile and the conditions in which it thrives. The book’s main section is broken out geographically, with subsequent chapters discussing individual wineries’ methods for cultivating and making Pinot Noir. In each section, you will find background on the vineyard, descriptions of the many Pinot Noirs they make, and observations on how each vintage tastes. There is also advice on how to serve and match Pinot Noir with various foods. Recommendations for collectors wishing to expand their collection with North American Pinot Noir are provided at the book’s close.

2. Pacific Pinot Noir: A Comprehensive Winery Guide for Consumers and Connoisseurs by John Winthrop Haeger

This book is an in-depth reference to Pinot Noir wines from the Pacific Rim. The author claims that this book will enlighten the reader on the background and development of Pinot Noir and its unique qualities and tastes. The chapters are separated by regions and focus on individual wineries and their processes. In each section, you will find background on the vineyard, descriptions of the many Pinot Noirs they make, and observations on how each vintage tastes. In addition to advice for wine connoisseurs interested in adding Pacific Pinot Noir to their cellars, the book includes recommendations for food combinations and service options for Pinot Noir.

1. The Wines of Burgundy by Clive Coates M. W.

The book explores the wines of the Burgundy region of France, with a focus on the region’s most famous grape variety, Pinot Noir. The book begins with an introduction to the history and geography of the Burgundy region and its various appellations, or wine-producing areas. The body of the book delves into the characteristics and flavors of Burgundy wines, with a particular emphasis on Pinot Noir. The author discusses the role of terroir, winemaking techniques, and vintage variation in the production of these wines, as well as the various styles and qualities of Pinot Noir produced in the region. The conclusion of the book offers recommendations for collectors and wine enthusiasts looking to explore the world of Burgundy wines, including tips for choosing and storing these wines.

There you have it! Ten amazing Pinot Noir books.

And for some fiction that includes Pinot Noir, try out the Pinto recommendations below.

Also read: The History of Pinot Noir

Want to read more? Try these books!

Wine Pairing Recommendation