Intense, expressive, and fruit-driven, the Pinot Noir grape has found a home in New Zealand, and New Zealand Winegrowers says International Pinot Noir Day is the perfect time to celebrate this notoriously fickle grape.
“Wind the clock back 20 years and Pinot Noir was barely known, leave alone grown, in New Zealand, but today there are plenty of reasons to celebrate the variety, and on 18 August, you can do just that,” says NZ Wine.
“Still considered the new kid on the block due to its rapid rise to fame, New Zealand Pinot Noir is now the country’s top red wine variety and the second-most exported wine after Sauvignon Blanc.”
How you can promote International Pinot Noir Day on August 18
Open your cellar door
It may be winter but if you’re one of New Zealand’s more than 240 cellar doors (especially in one of New Zealand’s famous Pinot Noir regions), it’s time to turn on the fire and crack open your full fruity local Pinot Noir for visitors to savour and enjoy.
Add extra Pinot Noir to your on-premise wine list
Pinot Noir is one of New Zealand’s favourite varieties and there are always new offerings to try. Tried and true is a good choice for your wine list but why not add some Pinots from smaller, local vineyards for your consumers to discover?
Hold a tasting
International Pinot Noir Day is August 18 – a Friday – the perfect day to hold a tasting in your on- or off-premise. Find a local winemaker and ask them to present a masterclass and tasting in Pinot Noir, including food and wine matchings. Looking for a Pinot Personality in your region? You can find some superstars here.
Fun fact: For the best New Zealand Pinot Noir experience, age for 2-5 years and serve at 15 degrees Celsius.
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