Published March 20, 2025, 05:00 GMT
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There's something about the mild flavor of Pinot Noir, which is perfect for this time of year.
Moving from heartwarming casserole to light dishes, you'll find that Pinot Noir sits perfectly alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish and vegetable dishes that are well-flavored but not too heavy.
This is where Pinot Noir works. This is a grape that gently releases a bright strawberry aroma and a magical scent of dark soil complexity that goes very well with the food.
Its flavor lies in a spectrum that starts simple and easy, and evolves through regional differences, in a flavorful silky evolution that stops your mind with a finish that continues until next week. But how much would you pay for a good Pinot Noir?
If your taste is directed you towards Burgundy, you will definitely need a strong bank balance. Even the rather standard generic Burgundy has seen prices rise. If you are looking for a particular village or vineyard, it is probably a delicious experience, but be prepared for your witnesses.
That's when you need to find another region. New Zealand quickly became a source of excellent Pinots. Supermarket's own label wines offer great taste for money, but individual properties are priced and quality.
Australian Pinot Noir comes primarily from a set of smart producers from the cool Adelaide Hills or Mornington Peninsula, but Tasmania is beginning to attract a reputation for this grape.
Chile does some great value Pinot Noirs, but South Africa has a bunch of great producers from Hemelenard, who raise quality standards for each vintage.
There are also some great producers in the southern France that find cool regions where Pinots can thrive.
Here are some favorites, and £30 is the absolute best price.
Estevez Chilean Pinot Noir 2023, Valle de Casablanca, Chile, Aldi £6.99: This is filled with cooled mist each morning, with low temperatures and day and night. The result is a well-grown Pinot, ripe in the sun, but keeps it cool overnight. This is a great value Pinot because it has a juicy red currant and cherry fruit bag and the weight of the mid-pareto is good.
Specially selected Le Bourgueron Pinot Noir 2023, France, Limoux, Ardi £6.99: Another amazing deal from Ardi, this is from the cool hills of Rimoux. It comes in a soft and light style, with delicate red cherry and strawberry fruit and gentle fresh finish.
Antonin Rodette Pinot Noir 2023, France, Morrisons £9.50 to £8.50 until March 30th From £8.50 to £8.50: Well above its price, this wine has soft, supple tannins and a yarn of freshness in the finish. This is a humble Vin de France, but the presentation looks very Burgundian.
French Kalmar and Joseph Organic Pinot Noir will cut weight roses from £13.50 to £11.50 until April 15th. Made from grapes from 30-year-old Pinot Noir, they are grown in high and organically to keep the taste fresh. It comes from the dynamic duo of Laurent Carmuel and Jerome Joseph.
Cap Maritime Pinot Noir 2023, South Africa, South Coast Cape and Tesco will reach £14 with Club Cards until March 24th. The answer is simple. Create another wine in another region. Mark Kent is behind this rounded, elegant Pinot, made from grapes grown in the cool Hemel En Ard Valley.
Gottfried Mocke, the winemaker at Boukenhoutskloof, is also a winemaker here. This is easy as the two regions enjoy different climates and different harvest days. Think of strawberry fruit, fresh cherries and flavorful edges that go perfectly with the food.
Devil's Corner Pinot Noir 2023, Australia, Tasmania and Tesco will be up to 13.50 pounds on club cards until March 24th. The wine reflects the region's cool climate with light cherry and cranberry fruit, a touch of herbs and a crunchy raspberry finish.
Louis Jadot Burgundy Pinot Noir 2022, France, Sainsbury's will fall from 18.50 pounds from 8 April. This comes from one of Burgundy's best producers. Burgundy not only owns a range of vineyards, but also buys them from other respected growers. This wine is aged in French oak barrels with a depth and texture.
The sheep are planted on grapes, and the sheep will not move like this anymore, but if you happen to get a wine of Mount difficulty, it matches perfectly with the slow roast shoulders of the lamb.
This is a hugely flavored Pinot with black cherry and blueberry fruit, served with pepper spices that are structured enough to stand up to Sunday's roast.
