English Wine Guide

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THE BEST ENGLISH PINOT NOIR FOR ALL TASTES & BUDGETS.

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Pinot Noir is my “go to” bottle of red wine if I’m heading to or hosting a dinner party. Unlike the more heady red wines, Pinot Noir is mellow, smooth and oh-so versatile. I am yet to meet someone who doesn’t like Pinot Noir – making it the perfect wine to serve at most occasions.

More on more vineyards in England are growing Pinot Noir grapes, to make some excellent varieties. How lucky are we that Pinot Noir grows in England?

Here’s my guide to all you need to know, including the best English Pinot Noirs to suit all tastes and budgets.

How to pronounce Pinot Noir?

Before we dive into the lush world of English Pinot Noir, let’s get one thing straight—the pronunciation. Say it with me: “Pee-no Nwahr.” Easy, right? Rolls off the tongue as smoothly as, Pinot Noir itself.

Best English Pinot Noir wine

England may not be the first place you think of when you hear Pinot Noir, but trust me, it’s time to start. The cool climate is surprisingly suitable for this notoriously finicky grape, leading to some stunning bottles that stand up to global giants:

1 / The supermarket collaboration – Balfour for M&S Pinot Noir: In my opinion, M&S is currently leading the way with some incredible collaborations with English wine producers. Balfour, one of the largest vineyards in Kent, has produced an excellent spicy, cherry Pinot Noir with M&S. Buy from Ocado for £22.

2 / The best seller – Lyme Bay Winery Pinot Noir: Lyme Bay Winery is a producer in the west country. Their Pinot Noir is a best selling bottle of this variety. I can see why – it seems to be an absolute “classic” Pinot Noir – everything you’d expect, from hints of red fruit to smokey undertones. Buy from Grape Britannia for £31.99.

3 / The luxury drop – Danbury Ridge Pinot Noir: Danbury Ridge is an expert vineyard located in Essex. Their Pinot Noir is a luxury drop, perfect for a very special occasion. I could imagine this would be beautiful with Christmas lunch, or an elaborate game dish. Buy from Grape Britannia for £38.99.

4 / The curveball – Ancre Hill Vineyard, Pink Pet Nat: I wanted to introduce something a little different, to showcase how versatile the Pinot Noir grape is. Ancre Hill, a Welsh vineyard, have produced a totally zany Pet Nat (a natural wine), made from a combo of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Buy it from Grape Britannia for £19.99.

5 / The budget friendly – New Hall Vineyard Barons Lane Red: New Hall Vineyard is one of the oldest wine producers in Essex. This budget friendly drop is actually a blend, rather than pure Pinot Noir. A very light wine at 11%. Buy it from Grape Britannia for £17.49.

How should English Pinot Noir be served?

Temperature matters, folks! Serving your Pinot Noir at the right temp can make or break your experience. Aim for cool room temperature, around 12-14°C (54-57°F).

One of my pet hates is a red wine that is just too warm. Pinot Noir isn’t your robust Cabernet that can handle a bit of warmth; the subtle flavours are best enjoyed a touch cooler. If you’ve accidentally left it by the radiator, just pop it in the fridge for a bit. About 15-20 minutes should do the trick.

Best glasses to serve English Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir food pairings

Pinot Noir is like the Darcey Bussell of the English wine world—it pairs gracefully with a wide variety of foods. Here are some suggestions for Pinot Noir food pairings.

Earthy Flavours – Think mushrooms or truffles. These earthy flavors love the subtle earthiness of Pinot Noir, creating a harmonious blend in your mouth.

Recipe suggestion – this buttery garlic mushroom tagliatelle dish is one of my favourites. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made it. A perfect pairing for Pinot Noir.

Poultry – A roasted chicken or duck can be the perfect companion to a glass of Pinot Noir. The wine’s gentle fruitiness complements the meat’s richness without overpowering it.

Recipe suggestion – there’s not much better than a traditional Italian duck ragu with pasta. Try this recipe with your next bottle of English Pinot Noir.

Cheese – Soft cheeses, especially Brie and Camembert, are just sublime with Pinot Noir. The creamy texture and the wine’s smooth tannins are a match made in heaven.

Pinot Gris v Pinot Noir

One of the questions that often comes up, is whether there is a difference between Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. The two get confused frequently.

While they share part of a name and a genetic heritage, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are quite the characters. Pinot Gris is a white wine grape that results in wines that are fruity and light, often with a zesty acidity.

Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is generally about the reds, offering a spectrum of flavors from strawberries to black cherries, all wrapped up with silky tannins. But, Pinot Noir is sometimes used to make rose, sparkling and even white wine in England.

Where to next?

A few of my favourite things

Looking for a gift for yourself or a wine lover in your life? Here are a few of my favourite English Wine things.

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