Ask any oenologist about the best pinot noir in the world and the answer is likely to come from one of a handful of places around the world. Portions of Argentina, Chile, Oregon, California, France, Germany, Italy, Australia and New Zealand exist in similar regions around the world with cooler temperatures yet sufficiently long springs. It seems that while Burgundy, France is the home of the red wine, the French are not the only ones to have perfected it. Here’s a case for several of the best by region.
North America
Sonoma and Russian River Valley, California and Willamette Valley, Oregon are prime locations for growing pinot noir in North America with McMinnville, Oregon the sight for the International Pinot Noir Celebration. Perhaps lagging behind Europe and Australasia, the star of North America might be Ceritas from Hellenthal Vineyard in Sonoma, California. Known to be fresh, appetizing and nicely balanced, it’s a great representation for the region.
South America
Similar to the North American varieties, though South American pinot noir has made strides in the past several years it still lags behind some of the other regions. Casablanca Valley and Leyda Valley in Chile and along the Rio Negro in Australia are prime locations in South America. Grey Glacier from Ventisquero in Leyda Valley with its smooth a savory flavor combined with earthy aromas is the star of the region.
Australia
Clearly the second best region in the world, both Australia and New Zealand provide a number of high quality pinot noir. From New Zealand, Mount Edward from Morrison Vineyard in Central Otago is described as having a smoky, bacony nose with a subdued raspberry fruit flavor. From Australia, Yabby Lake Vineyard’s spicy oak, medium bodied and delicate Single Block Release, Block 2 is a very pleasant pinot noir. Many experts agree that New Zealand in particular is providing the strongest competition to Europe in terms of the best pinot noir.
Europe
Europe still leads the pack when it comes to the best pinot noir in the world. However, it’s not just France with its possibly centuries long cultivation of the fruit. Jean Stoddard from Spatburgunder Ale Reben in Ahr, Germany is amongst the best pinot noir outside of Burgundy, France. However, the pinot noir grown in Burgundy, France is still considered the archetype for the grapes all over the world. However, what the best pinot noir is from Burgundy is up for debate.
Domaine Dugat-Py and Domaine Leroy are both Burgundy pinot noir which will cost more than $3,000. Domaine Dugat-Py boasts 13 generations of winemaking experience using organic methods while Domaine Leroy, with expertise provided by Lalou Bize-Leroy was the first to use biodynamic techniques. Bize-leory carefully supervises every phase of growth, harvest and production.
Finally, the best pinot in the world must be Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. Called “one of the greatest wines of the world and the most perfect,” Romanee-conti is among the most sought after, and expensive wines in the world. The perfection is due to the vineyards dedication and meticulous attention to every detail of the process.
