This is a demanding, often frustrating variety but has become one of the traditional components of good sparkling wine in England, and in good ripening conditions has also been successful in making rose and red wines. The grape grows in small, tight bunches and performs particularly well on well-drained soils. Because of the thinness of the skins, Pinot Noir wines are lighter in colour, body and tannins but have complexity and intensity of fruit seldom found in other red grapes.

Associated with the Grand Est region in eastern France where it produces richly honeyed dry whites as well as superb late-harvest wines. In Italy it is known as Pinot Grigio. A really interesting white with a distinctive herbal flavour.

Pinot Meunier is gaining recognition for the body and richness it contributes to Champagne. First mentioned in the 16th century, and gets its name and synonyms from flour-like dusty white down on the underside of its leaves. It is one of the most widely planted grapes in France but it is rather obscure to most wine drinkers and will rarely be seen on a wine label. The grape has been favoured by vine growers in northern France due to its ability to bud and ripen more reliably than Pinot Noir.

The Bacchus grape is a hardy variety that ripens early and is not demanding in the way of specifics for its planting site. It has become popular in cooler climates and is well suited to England. Its wines are regarded as having a style similar to Sauvignon Blanc with fairly high acidity due to the cooler climate of England. It is becoming very popular for its aromatic and floral qualities.