Exploring 10 Pinot Noir Wine Brands to buy today.
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Though temperamental, Pinot Noir is one of the most celebrated and beloved wine grapes globally. With its roots deeply embedded in the historical vineyards of Burgundy, France, this global short list of Pinot Noir wine brands aims to explore a few readily available Pinot Noirs and all at a price point below $100.
Characteristics of Pinot Noir:
Characteristics of Pinot Noir Wine Brands
The Pinot Noir wine style is known for its lighter body, lower tannins, and high acidity. It typically exhibits flavors and aromas of red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, along with earthy and floral notes. The color is generally lighter than other red wines, ranging from bright ruby to deep garnet.
Low Yields
Pinot Noir wine brands tend to produce lower yields compared to other grape varieties. This is partly due to the grape’s natural growth habits and partly due to the careful vineyard management practices required to produce high-quality fruit. Lower yields mean higher production costs, which contribute to Pinot Noirs wine price being higher than you might expect.
Regions and Terroirs
France
Burgundy has it’s own distinct Pinot Noir wine style (terroir). It is arguably the most famous region for Pinot Noir, particularly the Côte d’Or. The Côte d’Or is divided into the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. The Côte de Nuits is known for producing some of the most prestigious Pinot Noirs, including those from villages like Gevrey-Chambertin and Vosne-Romanée. The Côte de Beaune, while also producing high-quality wines, is slightly more affordable and includes notable appellations like Pommard and Volnay. Don’t be surprised to see Pinot Noir wine brands from these areas well into the hundreds of dollars.
United States
California
In California, regions like Sonoma, Russian River Valley, and the Central Coast are renowned for their Pinot Noirs. These areas benefit from the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, which helps maintain the classic pinot wine style with acidity and balance. Pinot Noir wine brands that are well established here include Walt, Williams Selyem and Aubert.
Oregon
Pinot Noir wine from Oregon, particularly the Willamette Valley, has gained international acclaim for its Pinots. The region’s cool climate and volcanic soils produce wines that are often compared to those from Burgundy, with a focus on elegance and complexity. Top Pinot Noir wine from Oregon includes Beaux Fréres, Domaine Serene, and Penner Ash.
New Zealand
New Zealand, especially the Central Otago and Marlborough regions, have become a significant producer of high-quality Pinot Noir wine brands.. The country’s cool climate and diverse soils create a Pinot Noir wine style with intense fruit flavors and vibrant acidity. Top Pinot Noir wine brands include Felton Road, Carrick and Peregrine Wines.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Pinot Noir wine style is typically a lighter color compared to other red wines, ranging from translucent ruby to a deeper garnet. The wine’s clarity can vary, but high-quality Pinot Noirs often exhibit brilliant clarity.
Aromas and Flavors
Pinot Noir is celebrated for its complex bouquet. Common aromas include red fruits like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, alongside floral notes such as rose and violet. Earthy undertones, including mushroom and forest floor, are also prevalent. On the palate, flavors mirror the aromas, with added hints of spice, cola, and sometimes tea leaves.
Texture and Structure
Pinot Noir generally has a lighter body, with silky tannins and vibrant acidity. This structure makes it an incredibly versatile wine, suitable for various occasions and pairings. The finish on a Pinot is often long and smooth, leaving a lingering impression and nuanced flavors.
For a complete guide on how to taste wine, see my article here
Buying Tips
How to Choose a Pinot Noir
When selecting a Pinot Noir wine price you need to consider the region, vintage, and producer. Pinot Noir from cooler climates like Burgundy and Oregon typically offer higher acidity and more nuanced flavors, while those from warmer regions like California can be richer and more fruit-forward. Researching producers and reading reviews can also guide your choice.
Understanding Labels
Pinot Noir labels can provide valuable information about the wine. In Burgundy, look for classifications such as Village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru, which indicate the quality level. These classifications will often also dictate the Pinot Noir wine price. In New World regions, focus on vineyard designations and producer reputation.
The Cult Following of Pinot Noir and the Pinot Noir Wine Style
Unique Flavor Profile
Pinot Noir has a distinct and complex flavor profile that sets it apart from other red wines. The combination of red fruit, floral, and earthy notes, along with its lighter body and higher acidity, makes it a favorite among wine enthusiasts. Its ability to reflect the terroir, or the specific characteristics of the vineyard where it is grown, adds to its allure. Each bottle can tell a different story, offering a unique tasting experience that draws in aficionados.
Rarity and Exclusivity
The challenges of growing Pinot Noir and its relatively low yields contribute to its rarity and exclusivity. High-quality Pinot Noir brands, especially from renowned regions like Burgundy, are often produced in limited quantities. This scarcity drives demand and creates a sense of exclusivity among collectors and enthusiasts. Wines from top producers and exceptional vintages can become highly sought-after and command premium prices, adding to their mystique.
Iconic Producers and Legendary Wines
Pinot Noir’s cult status is also fueled by iconic producers and legendary wines. Names like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, as well as New World producers like Williams Selyem and Domaine Serene, have achieved near-mythical status. Their wines are often regarded as benchmarks of quality and craftsmanship, inspiring passionate followings.
Pinot Noir Buying Guide – 10 Pinot Noir Brands to Buy
Recommended Pinot Noir from Oregon, California and France all under $100.
To help you start your exploration, here are 10 highly recommended Pinot Noir wine brands across different price points. Most of these are from US producers and as a result under $100. They have good distribution so you can generally find then at most retail stores or online.
Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir 2021
Region: Santa Maria Valley, California
Price: ~$45
Tasting Notes: Rich and fruit-forward with dark cherry, cranberry, and cola flavors, complemented by notes of vanilla and spice from oak aging.
Etude Carneros Estate Pinot Noir 2019
Region: Carneros, California
Price: ~$25 (375ml)
Tasting Notes: Bright red fruits like cherry and raspberry, with a touch of spice and earthiness. Balanced acidity and smooth tannins.
Region: California
Price: ~$20
Tasting Notes: A crowd-pleaser with rich flavors of strawberry, mocha, and vanilla, offering a smooth and silky finish.
La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2022
Region: Sonoma Coast, California
Price: ~$25
Tasting Notes: Aromas of cherry, pomegranate, and baking spices, with a lush palate featuring plum and a hint of cocoa.
Argyle Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2021
Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Price: ~$28
Tasting Notes: Red cherry, raspberry, and hints of rose petal and spice, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins.
Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2022
Region: Sonoma Coast, California
Price: ~$50
Tasting Notes: Elegant and aromatic with red cherry, cranberry, and subtle floral notes, balanced by a touch of minerality.
Region: Anderson Valley, California
Price: ~$50
Tasting Notes: Rich and textured, showcasing black cherry, plum, and raspberry, with hints of cola and clove.
A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir 2021
Region: Oregon
Price: ~$19
Tasting Notes: Bright and lively, featuring cranberry, cherry, and raspberry flavors with a touch of spice and earthy undertones.
Siduri Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2021
Region: Russian River Valley, California
Price: ~$35
Tasting Notes: Deep red fruit flavors of cherry and strawberry, complemented by notes of spice, vanilla, and a hint of forest floor.
Joseph Drouhin Chorey Les Beaune 2021
Region: Burgundy, France
Price: ~$49
Tasting Notes: The palate is vivid with red cherries and crushed strawberry, with fine depth.
These selections provide a great variety of styles and flavors from different Pinot Noir producing regions, all while staying under $100. Whether you’re looking for something rich and red fruit-forward or elegant and refined, there’s a Pinot Noir here to suit your taste.
Pinot Noir is a captivating and versatile grape variety that offers a wide range of styles and flavors. From the famous vineyards of Burgundy to the emerging regions of New Zealand or California, this grape has a unique ability to express the nuances of its terroir. Whether you enjoy it with a classic roast duck, a creamy Brie, or a hearty lentil stew, Pinot Noir is a great compliment to many meals.
Additional Resources
Books and Websites
Books: “The Wines of Burgundy” by Clive Coates and “Pinot Noir: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Enjoying the World’s Most Popular Red Wine” by John Winthrop Haeger.
Websites: Visit Wine Spectator and Decanter for reviews and articles on Pinot Noir.
Wine Tasting Events.
Pinot Noir specific wine glasses are available here
Keep an eye out for Pinot Noir-specific events like the International Pinot Noir Celebration in Oregon or local wine tastings at your favorite wine shop. Additional articles and resources can also be found in my article about Burgundy here.
