Babich Pinot Noir

Babich Pinot Noir is a 100% Pinot Noir from Marlborough, New Zealand, bottled at 13–13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. A CWSA Double Gold winner across multiple vintages, this expression stands out for its use of a proprietary wild yeast strain indigenous to the Babich winery — known internally as "Barry" — which drives distinctive depth and complexity in the finished wine.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13–13.5%  |  Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand  |  Style: Still Red Wine  |  Producer: Babich Wines (est. 1916)

Production & Heritage

Babich Wines was founded in 1916 by Croatian immigrant Josip Babich in Henderson, New Zealand, and remains family-owned across multiple generations. The Pinot Noir is sourced from 100% certified sustainable vineyards across Marlborough's prime subregions and undergoes traditional winemaking techniques including hand-plunging, whole-bunch fermentation, and open-vat fermentation. The use of "Barry," a wild yeast strain exclusive to the Babich winery, is central to the fermentation process, contributing greater depth, intensity, and a house character that distinguishes these wines from those relying on commercial cultured yeasts.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark plum and ripe raspberry lead the nose, followed by delicate floral hints of rose. With time in the glass, secondary notes of thyme, mushroom, and anise emerge, adding earthy intrigue beneath the fruit.

Taste: The entry is generous with sweet cherry and plum fruit, gaining momentum mid-palate where leafy herbal tones and a touch of saffron develop. The wine is smooth and surprisingly dense for its light-to-medium body, layering dark sweet fruits with complex herbal undertones and sweet leather.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering red fruit, gentle spice, and a subtle earthiness. The tannins are fine-grained, leaving a clean and balanced impression.

How to Drink Babich Pinot Noir

Serve slightly below room temperature — around 14–16°C (57–61°F) — in a large-bowled Burgundy glass to allow the aromatic layers to develop fully. This wine rewards thoughtful sipping on its own but also integrates well into lighter cocktail formats.

• Classic Red Wine Spritz: The cherry-forward fruit and herbal notes hold up beautifully against a splash of soda and a citrus twist without losing structure.
• Pinot Noir Sangria: Its ripe berry profile and gentle spice make it an ideal base for a sangria built with stone fruits and fresh herbs.
• New Zealand Kir: A small measure of cassis liqueur deepens the plum and dark cherry character already present, creating an elegant aperitif.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners where you want a versatile, food-friendly red
• Introducing someone to New Zealand Pinot Noir for the first time
• A house red for casual entertaining with charcuterie or roast poultry
• Building a collection of Southern Hemisphere Pinot Noirs at an accessible price point

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Babich Pinot Noir taste like? Babich Pinot Noir delivers ripe dark cherry and plum fruit layered with earthy herbaceous notes, thyme, mushroom, and a touch of sweet leather. It is smooth and medium-bodied with fine tannins and gentle spice on the finish.

How does Babich Pinot Noir compare to Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir? Both are widely available Marlborough Pinot Noirs at a similar price tier, but Babich distinguishes itself through indigenous wild yeast fermentation and traditional hand-plunging, which tend to produce a denser, more texturally complex wine. Villa Maria Private Bin typically leans brighter and more overtly fruit-forward with less earthy complexity.

Is Babich Pinot Noir good for beginners? Yes — its approachable fruit-forward character and smooth tannins make it an excellent entry point into Pinot Noir, while the herbal and earthy layers offer enough complexity to reward closer attention as your palate develops.

Where is Babich Pinot Noir made? Babich Pinot Noir is produced by Babich Wines, a family-owned New Zealand winery founded in 1916, using fruit sourced from certified sustainable vineyards across the Marlborough wine region on the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island.

What foods pair well with Babich Pinot Noir? Roast duck or duck confit — the cherry fruit complements rich poultry. Grilled salmon — medium body and earthy notes bridge well with oily fish. Mushroom risotto — the wine's own mushroom and herbal undertones create a natural echo. Aged Gruyère — the fine tannins and spice cut through the cheese's nuttiness. Lamb rack with herbs — the thyme and savory character in the wine mirrors herbed preparations.

What sizes does Babich Pinot Noir come in? Babich Pinot Noir is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Babich Pinot Noir worth the price? Babich Pinot Noir positions as an accessible, everyday-tier Marlborough Pinot Noir that punches above its weight — the indigenous yeast fermentation and traditional winemaking techniques deliver a level of complexity and texture more commonly found at higher price points in the region.

Why Babich Pinot Noir?

The use of "Barry," a wild yeast strain unique to the Babich winery, is not a marketing gimmick — it is a genuine production differentiator that imparts measurable depth and intensity to the wine, setting it apart from competitors relying on standard commercial yeasts. Multiple CWSA Double Gold medals across the 2017 and 2022 vintages confirm consistency across releases. Certified sustainable viticulture and traditional techniques like hand-plunging and open-vat fermentation reflect a winery with over a century of accumulated knowledge. For drinkers seeking a Marlborough Pinot Noir with substance and individuality at an approachable price, Babich consistently delivers.