5 pleasing pinot noirs to pique your interest

If you’re on a wine quest to find a top drop which appeals to white and red wine lovers alike, pinot noir is a keeper.

After all, who doesn’t love a versatile ruby red which can be paired with seafood and meat; pimp up a plate of roasted veggies, and with its vivid florals, bright acidity and earthy nuances, make a mushroom omelette soar.

Moreover, with pinot’s light tannin structure, these silky, seductive wines can be enjoyed at room temperature; or popped in the fridge and served lightly chilled.

In fact, this variety commands such a cult following in wine circles, terms such as ‘pinotism’ and ‘pinotphilia’ reflect its prestige… with Burgundy its spiritual home, and Côte d’Or cited as the pinnacle of pinot noir.

And thanks to winemakers worldwide falling head over heels for this variety, there’s a range of styles at approachable prices…

1. Mark West Pinot Noir 2023, California, USA, £12.50, Sainsbury’s

Sleek with pleasantly sweetish aromatics, strawberry, cherries and plummy notes unfold on the soft, plush palate, with subtle hints of spice coming into play. Appealing, fruit forward and lots of fun, a light chilling makes this pinot purr from the glass.

2. Cherubino Ad Hoc Cruel Mistress Pinot Noir 2023, Pemberton, Western Australia, £13.99, Loki Wine

Star producer Larry Cherubino crafts this hauntingly beautiful pinot which draws you in with its enticing raspberry and kirsch aromas; complemented by a soft palate of ripe cherry fruit and summer berries, earthy undertones, fine line of acidity and harmonious finish.

3. Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2022, Burgundy, France, £21, Sainsbury’s

Burgundy produces a wide spectrum of pinot noir – and when a Côte d’Or grand cru is too spendy, this quality producer more than delivers at every level. Aromatic and deeply flavoursome with beautiful purity, it’s a seamless palate of spice-edged raspberry and cherry fruit, framed by soft spice and silky long finish.

4. Two Beacons Pinot Noir Précoce 2023, England, £24, Two Beacons Vineyard

With English still wines going from strength to strength, now’s the time to explore home-grown pinot noir… hitting all the right notes with savoury undertones, it’s making a name for itself on the medal stage. This WineGB West Silver Medal winner opens up with inviting redcurrant, cassis and herbal notes; ribbons of raspberry and red fruit flavours complimented by hint of bay leaf, whisper of peppery spice and balanced acidity.

5. Te Kano Kin Pinot Noir 2021, Central Otago, New Zealand, £26.95, Davy Wine

A key region for plush pinot, Central Otago is home to some of the most flavoursome expressions. With a signature silkiness, perfumed aromas of ripe red fruits combine with florals, exotic spice and hints of wild thyme; showing intensity and depth, succulent cherry, plum and raspberry fruit is enhanced by enticing savoury notes, backed by supple tannins and long, lifted finish. Worth seeking out.