Best Pinot Noir for 2025: earthy and elegant
From the historic vineyards of Burgundy to the up and coming wines of Oregon, the best Pinot Noir wines of 2025 are found in a variety of cool climate regions. Renowned for its elegance, complexity and food-friendly qualities, Pinot Noir is still a favorite among wine enthusiasts.
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Top rated Pinot Noir wines to try
Considering exploring Pinot Noir but unsure where to start? In the table above, we have curated a selection of some of the finest expressions of this elegant red wine, from bold to airy styles, across several price segments.
Pinot Noir wine flavor profile at a glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Grape Variety | 100% Pinot Noir |
| Origin | Burgundy (France), Trentino and Piedmont (Italy), California and Oregon (USA), Baden (Germany) and Central Otago (New Zealand) |
| Serving Temperature | 55–60°F (13–16°C) |
| Decanting | 30 minutes enhances aromatics in younger wines, at least 1 to 2 hours are needed for aged bottles |
| Aging Potential | 5–15 years (some Burgundies can age longer) |
| Flavor Profile | Red cherry, raspberry, cranberry, rose petal, mushroom, forest floor |
| Structure | Light to medium-bodied, silky tannins, vibrant acidity |
| Alcohol Content | 12.5% to 14.5% |
| Ideal Glass | Large Burgundy glass to enhance aroma complexity |
| Food Pairing | Roast duck, salmon, cod, mushroom risotto, soft cheeses |
| Top Regions | Côte d’Or, Willamette Valley, Central Otago, Sonoma Coast |
| Notable Producers | Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Joseph Drouhin, Domaine Dujac, Kosta Browne, Felton Road |
A globally celebrated red wine known for its soft elegance and nuanced flavors, Pinot Noir may appear pale at the glass, but do not be deceived: the smooth tannins combined with its balanced acidity deliver a vibrant and lasting impression on the palate!
Here is an overview of the Pinot Noir taste profile:
- Red fruit notes: a harmonious blend of cherries, raspberries, strawberries and plum dominate.
- Bright acidity: provides a sense of freshness and balance.
- Earthy notes: think mushrooms, damp leaves, and the forest floor, more pronounced in aged Pinot Noir.
- Silky tannins: play a part in its smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
- Spices: you may taste cloves, vanilla, or baking spices, especially in Pinot Noirs aged in French oak.
Fun fact: Pinot Noir is the backbone of most sparkling wines, particularly Champagne! It improves the aging potential and provides structure to most bubbly wines.
What is Pinot Noir wine and how is it made?
Pinot Noir is an elegant, light to medium bodied red wine crafted from grapes of the same name. It typically has red fruit flavors and lower tannins due to the reduced phenols in the grape skins. Pinot Noir grapes are primarily used to produce red wines, but they also find lovely expressions in rosés and other sparkling wines such as Champagne, adding a generous depth and array of red fruit flavors.
Originally from the Burgundy region in France, Pinot Noir cultivars now exist in notable vineyards worldwide, especially in Italy, California, Oregon, New Zealand and Germany (where it is known as Spatburgunder)! Pinot Noir wines are often labeled by origin, such as Bourgogne Pinot Noir, an AOC in Burgundy France whose production is defined by strict regulations, and various AVAs in the US that produce Pinot Noirs with distinctive characteristics.
Let’s see in detail how Pinot Noir wine is made:
- Harvesting: Pinot Noir grapes are harvested at night or early in the morning to keep them fresh.
- Destemming and crushing: de-stemming gives softer wines and the grapes are crushed lightly to release juice.
- Fermentation and maceration: fermentation is done in stainless steel tanks in a cool environment, with regular stirring, pumping over or punching down.
- Pressing: after fermentation, the wine juice is separated from the skins and seeds.
- Aging: in French oak barrels for nine to twelve months.
- Blending and bottling: winemakers may combine different barrels to create a more complex wine before bottling.
Note: grapes may undergo an optional ‘cold soak’ before fermentation for silkier tannins and a deeper color.
The many faces of the Pinot Noir grape: red, sparkling and rosé
Although the classic expressions of the Pinot Noir grape are the approachable red wines that we all love, the black and thin grapes can also be crafted into rosés and white wines!
Let’s have a look at some of the wine styles that the versatile Pinot Noir grapes can be used to produce:
- Red Pinot Noir: ranges from light to medium-bodied, may be bright and fruit-forward or spicy and earthy.
- Sparkling Pinot Noir: when combined with Chardonnay, it yields fine, bright and structured bubbly wines with delicate red fruit notes.
- Pinot Noir Rosés: typically dry, these elegant and balanced wines are fresh, floral and fruity.
- White Pinot Noir: also called Blanc de Noirs, they are produced by gently pressing the grapes immediately after harvesting. Doing so separates the juice from the skins without transferring the red color.
Understanding these different wine styles gives you a glimpse at just how versatile the grapes are, offering you new tasting experiences beyond traditional styles.
Pinot Noir wine flavor profile at a glance
With Pinot Noir wines, the vintage isn’t just a year, it’s a fingerprint. This sensitive grape reflects even the slightest shifts in climate, making each harvest unique. Cooler years bring lifted acidity and floral finesse while warmer ones offer depth, ripeness and power.
That’s why vintage matters and why we’ve handpicked the best rated Pinot Noir vintage bottles with top critic scores and excellent aging potential.
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1. Vosne-Romanee Les Beaux Monts Premier Cru 2017 - Domaine Jean Grivot
Year: 2017
Tasting notes: The 2017 vintage in Burgundy was classic and elegant, with balanced ripeness, refined tannins and vibrant acidity.
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2. Gevrey-Chambertin Champeaux Premier Cru 2022 - Lucien Le Moine
Year: 2022
Tasting notes: Warm and dry weather gave a surprisingly balanced wine, thanks to rain in June. Wines show concentration, ripeness and freshness.
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3. Coeur Blanc Pinot Noir 2014 - Domaine Serene
Year: 2014
Tasting notes: A cool, early vintage producing refined, lower-alcohol wines with vivid acidity and purity.
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4. Cuvee Marie-Luise Brut Blanc de Noir Sekt 2018 - Sekthaus Raumland
Year: 2018
Tasting notes: Excellent vintage across Germany, with ideal ripening and healthy fruit. This Blanc de Noir shows precision and finesse.
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5. Estate Pinot Noir - Bouchaine
Year: 2019
Tasting notes: An exceptionally long and hot summer provided the ideal conditions for Pinot Noir maturation. The results are balanced wines with moderated tannins.
Pinot Noir wine price guide: from everyday bottles to collector picks
Pinot Noir wines span a wide price range, typically starting around $25 and reaching $300 or more for highly sought after bottles. The Pinot Noir price depends on factors like vintage, with older wines often commanding higher value. The reputation of the winemaker also plays a key role. Top names from Burgundy, Oregon, and Sonoma such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti or Kosta Browne tend to cost more. Vineyard location and classification, including Grand Cru and single-vineyard AVAs, also affect price.
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1. Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir 2022
Tasting notes: Bright cherry & cranberry, spiced blueberries, cola, licorice, vanilla, fresh acidity, soft tannins.
Entry-Level Pinot Noir
From: $50
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2. Château de la Tour Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2005
Tasting notes: Complex aromas dominated by spicy notes, well balanced with fruit and earthy violet flavors.
Value Pinot Noir
From: $100-500
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3. Domaine Serene Monogram Pinot Noir 2013
Tasting notes: Light and well-defined, with notes of sweet kirsch cherries, dried figs and sandalwood.
Mid-Tier Pinot Noir
From: $500-1000
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4. Domaine Romanée-Conti Richebourg Grand Cru 1985
Tasting notes: Full-bodied, lush and concentrated, with a gorgeous spicy nose and a tannic finish.
Premium Domestic Pinot Noir
From: $1000
Top 3 collector Pinot Noir bottles for connoisseurs
Collector bottles are more than just exceptional wines, they make thoughtful, prestigious gifts and can also serve as long-term investments.
Pinot Noir has long captivated collectors due to its elegance and complexity. From the Grand Crus of Burgundy to California’s Russian River Valley, the finest expressions are crafted by iconic producers and consistently perform well at auction. In fact, a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Romanée-Conti 1945 sold for a record-breaking $558,000 at Sotheby’s in 2018, reflecting Pinot Noir’s status in the world of fine wine.
The selections below represent some of the most highly rated and cellar-worthy Pinot Noir wines available, limited in production, rich in character and built to age with grace.
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1. Romanee-Conti Grand Cru 2019 - Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
Tasting notes: Full-bodied and enveloping, with scents of rose petals, black tea, and exotic spices
From: $12999
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2. Echezeaux Grand Cru 2020 - Domaine Jean-Yves Bizot
Tasting notes: Savory and classic, with chalky minerality and aromas of dark fruits
From: $6999
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3. Musigny Grand Cru Vielles Vignes 2021 - Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue
Tasting notes: Satiny, medium to full-bodied wine with supple tannins and notes of sweet berries, musk and orange.
From: $2000
Pinot Noir for beginners: how to enjoy this elegant wine the right way
A favorite amongst the most expert sommeliers, Pinot Noir is also a great starting point for beginners due to its smooth texture, bright acidity and food-friendly nature. Choose younger bottles around 3 to 5 years old for fruit-forward flavors that are easy to enjoy. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, mushroom dishes, or salmon. For the best experience, serve it at a slightly low temperature (between 55°F to 60°F (13°C to 16°C)) to enhance its aroma and freshness. Decanting is optional but can help open up more complex notes.
Check out our beginner friendly option and their food pairing recommendations to unlock the perfect flavors.
| Style | Beginner-friendly Pinot Noir | Best to Pair with |
|---|---|---|
| Young Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 – Flowers | Pork tenderloin, mushroom pasta |
| Reserve Pinot Noir | Carneros Estate Grown Pinot Noir 2018 – Schug | Beef carpaccio, white truffle risotto |
| Collector Pinot Noir | Clos Pepe Pinot Noir 2018 – Walt | Grilled Wagyu fillet, aged Gruyere |
Nice Pinot Noir wine glasses to sip in style glasses
Pinot Noir benefits from glassware designed to emphasize its delicate aromas and nuanced structure. The ideal glass has a wide, tulip shaped bowl that allows the wine to breathe while directing aromas toward the nose, enhancing the delicate notes of red fruit, earth and spice.
This shape also softens the wine’s acidity and highlights its silky texture, especially in older vintages.
Try one of our recommendations for the Pinot Noir glasses.
Major Pinot Noir regions: how terroir shapes style and aging potential
Pinot Noir is famously expressive of its terroir, producing dramatically different styles depending on Pinot Noir’s production region. While France and the U.S. lead in prestige and volume, other regions like Italy, Germany and South Africa also contribute exciting variations in flavor, structure, price, and aging potential.
Pinot Noir regions at a glance:
- Burgundy (France) – Home of the best Pinot Noir wine, offering complex, earthy, and age-worthy reds.
Top areas: Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune - Willamette Valley (Oregon, USA) – Cool-climate wines with fresh red fruit, acidity, and floral lift.
Top areas: Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills - Sonoma Coast (California, USA) – Balanced and expressive wines with cherry, spice, and silky textures.
Top areas: Russian River Valley, Petaluma Gap - Santa Barbara County (California, USA) – Warmer-climate Pinot with ripe fruit, spice, and lush mouthfeel.
Top areas: Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Maria Valley - Alto Adige (Südtirol, Italy) – High altitudes and cool climates help preserve finesse.
Top areas: Manzon, Egna, Appiano - Central Otago (New Zealand) – Bold, fruit-driven Pinot with minerality and bright acidity.
Top areas: Bannockburn, Gibbston Valley - Mornington Peninsula (Australia) – Coastal Pinot Noir with red berry notes and light spice.
Top areas: Red Hill, Main Ridge - Germany (Spätburgunder) – Cooler-climate Pinot with herbal, savory tones and surprising aging potential.
Top areas: Ahr, Baden, Pfalz
Moreover, regions like Tasmania (Australia), Ahr (Germany), Casablanca Valley (Chile) and Elgin (South Africa) are emerging cool-climate areas with limited but growing Pinot Noir production, offering distinct styles and excellent value. These regions may not rival Burgundy or California in scale, but they add exciting diversity.
Pinot Noir compared: how it stacks up against Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are three iconic red grape varieties with distinct characteristics. Pinot Noir is the most delicate, producing light-bodied wines low in tannins and anthocyanins with high acidity and complex aromas of red fruit, earth and florals. It thrives in cool climates but is highly sensitive to disease and yield, making it difficult to cultivate. Cabernet Sauvignon, by contrast is bold and structured, with high tannins and deep color, driven by elevated anthocyanins and methoxypyrazines, yielding flavors of blackcurrant, graphite and green pepper. It favors warmer regions and ages exceptionally well. Merlot sits in between: rounder and softer than Cabernet yet fuller than Pinot Noir, with plum and chocolate notes. It ripens earlier than Cabernet and is less demanding in the vineyard. While Pinot Noir highlights finesse and terroir expression, Cabernet is prized for longevity and Merlot for approachability, each serving a different purpose in cellar and cuisine.
Each varietal excels under specific conditions and the “best” often comes down to context, be it climate, cuisine or personal taste.
| Wine / Grape | Top Wine Name & Wine Maker | Wine style |
|---|---|---|
| Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 – Flowers | Light to medium-bodied, bright acidity, red cherry, floral, earthy complexity |
| RieslinCabernet Sauvignong | Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 – Newton Single Vineyard | Full-bodied, bold tannins, dark fruit, earthy, age-worthy. |
| Merlot | Napa Valley Merlot 2021 – Keenan | Full-bodied, rich dark fruit, velvety tannins, oak-spiced, smooth finish. |
| Syrah (Shiraz) | Hermitage Les Meysonniers 2020 – M. Chapoutier Crozes | Bold and spicy, dark berry, pepper, smoky undertones |
How to serve Pinot Noir wine
From value bottles to the best Pinot Noir wine labels, using the right tools and techniques can elevate every sip. A wide tulip-shaped glass is ideal to showcase its aromatics. If the wine is youthful, light decanting helps soften it. For older bottles, gentle handling is key to preserving delicate structure.
- Store in a cool, dark place around 12 to 14°C (53 to 57°F).
- Serve at 16°C (60°F).
Decant young Pinot Noir for about 30 minutes. - Decant aged Pinot Noir for 1 to 3 hours.
- Must-have accessories: Burgundy or tulip wine glasses, basic decanter, wine stopper.
Pinot Noir wine serving tips and food pairing essentials
To pair Pinot Noir effectively, understanding its origin, structure, and aging style is essential. Whether you’re pouring a casual glass of Decoy Pinot Noir or splurging on the best Pinot Noir wine, this varietal performs best with dishes that highlight its finesse. Lighter proteins, earthy ingredients, and soft cheeses complement its balanced acidity and fine tannins, creating harmony on the plate and palate.
Ideal Food Pairings:
- Roasted chicken or duck
- Mushroom risotto or truffle pasta
- Grilled salmon or garlic buttered cod
- Brie, Camembert or Gruyère
| Food | Best Bottle | Aged | Type & Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet and spicy chicken, grilled turkey, duck confit, red wine braised rabbit | Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 | 1–3 years | Dry, red fruit, silky, fresh acid |
| Charcuterie boards, medium aged cheese, bolognese fettucini | Bien Nacido Estate Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 | 2-5 years | Fruity, soft tannins, medium body |
| Ribeye steak, grilled lamb leg, venison, pork roast | Walt Clos Pepe Pinot Noir 2018 | 5–7 years | Full-bodied, structured, earthy |
| Gruyere, Gouda, herb crusted pork loin, beef carpaccio | Schug Carneros Estate Grown Pinot Noir 2018 | 4–6 years | Savory, complex, long finish |
| Pasta alfredo, mushroom risotto, beef noodle casserole, Mexican lasagna | Chanson Pere & Fils Beaune Bressandes Premier Cru 2021 | 2-5 years | Balanced, easy-drinking, juicy |
| Grilled salmon, garlic butter cod, pickled herring | Wayfarer The Estate Pinot Noir 2021 | 2-5 years | Fine and fruity, with notes of fresh basil and grippy acidity |
FAQs Best Pinot Noir wine bottles
Pinot Noir is a thin skinned red grape variety known for producing elegant, light bodied wines with complex flavors. Originating from Burgundy, France, it’s prized for its notes of cherry, raspberry, earth and spice. Due to its delicate nature and difficulty to grow, it’s often referred to as the “heartbreak grape,” but delivers exceptional wines when grown in ideal conditions.
Pinot Noir wine prices vary greatly depending on origin and quality. Entry level bottles from regions like California or Chile can start around $20–$30, while premium Burgundy wines can exceed $100, with Grand Cru bottles reaching thousands. Generally, expect to pay more for well rated vintages and wines from prestigious producers or regions with a reputation for excellence.
Some of the best years for Pinot Noir include 2002, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015 and 2019, especially for Burgundy. These vintages offered ideal growing conditions that resulted in balanced, age-worthy wines with finesse. However, the best year can also depend on the region, with excellent vintages also found in Italy, Oregon, California and New Zealand in similar years.
Best Pinot Noir vintages from Burgundy include 1990, 1999, 2005, 2010 and 2015. In the U.S., 2012, 2014, and 2018 are standout years for Oregon and California. These vintages generally feature balanced weather patterns, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while retaining acidity, resulting in wines with depth, elegance, and the potential to age beautifully over time.
Yes, Pinot Noir is famously produced in Burgundy, France, its ancestral home and benchmark region. Burgundy’s terroir, particularly in areas like Côte de Nuits, is considered ideal for growing Pinot Noir, yielding refined, earthy wines with aging potential. The region’s classification system, including Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards, highlights the wine’s prestige and global influence.
Some of the best Pinot Noir producers include Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Dujac in Burgundy. Outside France, top names include Kosta Browne and Williams Selyem in California, and Felton Road in New Zealand. These producers are praised for their meticulous vineyard practices and ability to capture Pinot Noir’s nuance and complexity.
No, Pinot Noir is not produced only in France. While it originated in Burgundy, it’s now grown worldwide. Top producing regions include Italy, Oregon, California, New Zealand, Germany (where it’s called Spätburgunder) and Chile. Each region imparts its own character to the wine, from earthy and structured in Burgundy to fruity and lush in New World expressions.
Pinot Noir originates from the Burgundy region of France, where it has been cultivated for centuries. Today, it is grown globally, including in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, California’s Sonoma and Santa Barbara, Germany, New Zealand and Chile. While its birthplace remains the gold standard, each region offers a unique interpretation of this delicate and expressive grape variety.
Once opened a bottle of Pinot Noir can typically be enjoyed for 3 to 5 days if stored properly. To preserve its flavor and aroma, reseal the bottle and refrigerate it. Pinot Noir’s light body and delicate structure mean it oxidizes more quickly than bolder reds, so it’s best consumed within a few days of opening.