Best pinot noir: everything you need to know

The wonderfully ethereal pinot noirs from the famous vineyards of Burgundy are those most likely to make wine aficionados go weak at the knees – one of the most expensive wines in the world, 2002 Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, will set you back thousands of pounds, such is the esteem Burgundy’s best is held in wine collector circles, and even those relatively more modest bottles now command high prices.

Fortunately for us lesser mortals, pinot noir is also produced elsewhere, although it is fragile and difficult to grow well, thriving only in cool-ish climates and demanding careful treatment. It is a very beautiful wine – pale, sometimes transparent – with flavours that carry the character of the place in which it was made, the unique combination of climate, geology and local environment, known as the terroir.

Germany and Austria make prestigious pinot noirs, often precise, savoury and earthy, while those from warmer climes such as California and Oregon tend to be more overtly fruity. Look to New Zealand for great value – the Central Otago region is famous for its ripe and herbaceous pinots; those from more northerly Marlborough and Martinborough are lighter and more perfumed. Australia’s cooler areas such as Tasmania and Victoria are also good sources, as are Chile’s high-altitude and coastal regions. English pinot noir is also being produced now - check out our picks of the best bottles here.

I love it slightly chilled, especially but not only in the summer – chilling sharpens the fruit and quenches the thirst. Pinot noir is very forgiving with food, as long as it’s not too heavily spiced. Roast beef, lamb or pork are always good; duck is often even better, especially if it’s cooked with cherries. Salmon, tuna and other meaty fish work well. And it’s fantastic with roast veg and anything involving mushrooms. It’s also really, really good just with a bowl of black pepper crisps – trust me. Let’s all pour a pinot noir.

@KateHawkings

For more wine inspiration, check out our guides to the best chardonnay, best Riesling or best English sparkling wine - head to our reviews section for more.

5 best pinot noir wines at a glance

• Best budget pinot noir: Sorcova pinot noir, £7.99
• Best pinot noir to pair with food: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Pinot Noir, £11
• Best German pinot noir: Oliver Zeter Pinot Noir 2018, £18.50
• Best blowout pinot noir: Rapaura Springs Pinot Noir 2019, £21
• Best organic and vegan pinot noir: De Martino Legado Pinot Noir, £11.99

5 best pinot noir wines to try 2023

Sorcova Pinot Noir

• Available from Waitrose (£7.99)

Best budget pinot noir

Made by Cramele Recas, Romania’s biggest and most forward-thinking winery, this is cracking value for money. Ripe and juicy fruit with a touch of cinnamon and chocolate.

Available from:
Waitrose (£7.99)

Taste the Difference Pinot Noir

• Available from Sainsbury's (£11)

Best pinot noir to pair with food

Delicate but vibrant with bright raspberry and cherry fruit and a lifted freshness. Easy drinking and very versatile with food.

Available from:
Sainsbury's (£11)

Oliver Zeter Pinot Noir 2018

• Available from Connolly’s Wines (£18.50)

Best German pinot noir

Pinot noir is known as spätburgunder in Germany and this is made by one of that country’s best makers. Dazzlingly delicious with crunchy morello cherries, bright acidity and a touch of bonfire smoke.

Available from:
Connolly’s Wines (£18.50)

Rapaura Springs Pinot Noir 2019

• Available from Laithwaites (£21)

Best blowout pinot noir

From a multi-award-winning winery in new Zealand’s Marlborough region, this brings together Old World elegance and delicacy with New World exuberance. Plummy fruit, cloves, black olives and sage balanced together in a really stunning wine.

Available from:
Laithwaites (£21)

De Martino Legado Pinot Noir

• Available from Waitrose (£11.99)

Best organic and vegan pinot noir

From a forward-thinking winery in Chile, this ticks the organic and vegan boxes, as well as being delicious and medium-bodied with some earthy spice. Try with our venison wellingtons with rosemary and redcurrant sauce.

Available from:
Waitrose (£11.99)

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