When we searched online, we were surprised to find that there is no clear definition of “Burgundian Style Pinot Noir.” The term is often used loosely, but rarely explained. At Fine Pinot, we believe Pinot Noir lovers deserve clarity—so we decided to define it ourselves.

Burgundian Style Wine

In Burgundy, Pinot Noir has always been grown as a patchwork of vines with natural genetic diversity. Instead of planting a single clone, vineyards were traditionally cultivated with multiple clones, each contributing subtle differences in ripening, berry size, aroma and structure. Blended together, these variations create wines of layered complexity, balance, and terroir expression.

This is what we call a Burgundian Style Pinot Noir – a wine shaped by the tradition of blending different clones to capture harmony and finesse, rather than relying on just one genetic line.

Traditional Burgundy vineyards are naturally planted with multiple clones of Pinot Noir, creating genetic diversity in the vineyard.(Image by WWD16 from Pixabay)

Single Clone Wine

By contrast, a Single Clone Pinot Noir (or Clone Expression Wine) is crafted from just one Pinot Noir clone. These wines highlight the purity and precision of a single genetic identity, often with a more focused or linear profile. This approach is particularly associated with the New World, where winemakers experiment with clones such as MV6, Abel, 777, or 114 to showcase their individuality.

Single Clone Pinot Noir expresses the individuality of one genetic line, often with a precise, linear style.

Why this matters

• Burgundian Style = Tradition & Complexity

  • Multiple clones blended

  • Emphasis on elegance, balance, terroir

• Single Clone Style = Innovation & Focus

  • Crafted from one clone

  • Highlights individuality, purity, precision

At Fine Pinot, we celebrate both approaches. By offering wines that are Burgundian in spirit and those that are Single Clone expressions, we invite you to explore the full spectrum of Pinot Noir’s character.