Le Grand Noir Pinot Noir
Swan's Nest Rd
Unit 30, Kilbarrack Shopping Centre
Grange
Dublin
D05 N2F6
Ireland
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About this product
A Southern French Pinot with a rebellious streak — juicy, silky and full of charm.
Pinot Noir is famously particular about where it grows. Burgundy may be its spiritual home, but Le Grand Noir decided to take a different route, planting the variety in the high-altitude vineyards of Southern France. The result is a distinctly modern Pinot Noir: juicy, bright and immediately enjoyable, with the cherry and raspberry character we look for in the grape, but with a warmer Mediterranean personality.
The grapes come from a selection of vineyards across the Languedoc, ranging from around 200 to 400 metres in altitude. Rather than relying on a single vineyard, Le Grand Noir brings together different soils, elevations and microclimates to find the balance Pinot Noir needs in this part of France. Night harvesting helps preserve freshness, while a small proportion of the wine sees oak to add a little extra texture and spice without overwhelming the fruit.
The result is a Pinot that sits somewhere between classic French elegance and the generous fruitiness that makes New World Pinot Noir so approachable. It is full of raspberry, cherry and strawberry, with a refreshing peppery note and gentle structure. For Pinot Noir drinkers in Ireland looking for something a little different from the usual Burgundy, New Zealand or Chilean bottles, this is a very easy place to start.
Why we love it:
This is Pinot Noir in a particularly friendly and uncomplicated style: juicy red fruit, soft texture and enough freshness to keep it lively. It has the delicacy and charm expected from Pinot without becoming overly serious, making it equally appealing with food or simply poured slightly chilled on its own.
Country of origin
France
Region/Appellation
Pays d'Oc IGP
Grape variety
- Pinot Noir
Tasting notes
Colour
Bright ruby red.
Nose
Fresh raspberry and cherry lead the nose, with strawberry, subtle spice and a gentle hint of oak.
Palate
Juicy and supple, with ripe raspberry, red cherry and strawberry flavours balanced by refreshing acidity and soft tannins. A delicate peppery note adds character, while the light oak influence gives the finish a little extra warmth and texture.
Food pairing
Its bright red fruit and gentle tannins make this a remarkably versatile Pinot Noir. It works particularly well with lighter meats and dishes where a heavier red would overpower the food, and its freshness also makes it a natural match for certain fish.
- Roast or grilled chicken
- Duck
- Pork tenderloin
- Turkey
- Tuna or salmon
- Mushroom risotto
- Creamy mushroom pasta
- Charcuterie
- Grilled vegetables
- Soft and medium cheeses
For the best expression in Ireland, serve slightly chilled at around 14–16°C. There is no need to decant; simply open and pour, although a few minutes in the glass will help the raspberry and cherry aromas open up.
Size, cl
75
ABV, %
12.5
About the producer
Le Grand Noir was created in the ancient wine country of Southern France as a modern interpretation of French wine, combining traditional varieties with a more accessible New World sensibility. The project was developed by winemaker Hugh Ryman, wine writer Robert Joseph and designer Kevin Shaw, working alongside family grape-growers in the Languedoc. Their approach focuses on bringing together fruit from different soils, altitudes and microclimates to create expressive wines with plenty of flavour but without excessive alcohol or heavy-handed oak. Pinot Noir was one of their more adventurous choices, proving that with the right vineyards and careful winemaking, this notoriously demanding grape can produce an appealing wine well beyond its traditional homes.