1. Pinot Noir is the most popular red grape in New Zealand
2. It makes up 72% of the red grapes grown in this country with 5,653 hectares
3. It is 80% of Central Otago’s vineyards
4. It is second only to Sauvignon Blanc in this country
5. Most Pinot Noir in this country is grown in the South Island
6. Pinot Noir is a thin skinned red grape and grows best in cool climates
7. It originally comes from Burgundy in north east France
8. It’s one of the three main grapes used in champagne and top quality bubbles
9. Germany has more than double the amount of Pinot Noir as New Zealand
10. Pinot Noir is also popular in Oregon, California, Chile, Australia and South Africa.
Joelle Thomson is a wine writer, journalist and author. She’s an avid lover of wine and currently writes for Capital magazine, Good magazine, NZ Winegrower, Drinksbiz, and her own site, www.joellethomson.com
