The Best of French Pinot Noir: A Connoisseur’s Guide

Pinot Noir is a red wine that has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts all over the world. It is a grape that is famous for its complexity, finesse, and versatility. However, it is also one of the most demanding grapes to grow, as it requires a specific climate and soil to flourish.

Despite its challenges, Pinot Noir has become synonymous with producing some of the finest French wines.

The Pinot Noir grape is known for its ability to express the nuances of the terroir, making it a true reflection of the region in which it is grown.

The result is nothing short of a sensory masterpiece – a wine that tantalizes the taste buds with its refined elegance, impresses with its sophistication, and strikes a harmonious balance between its many intricate notes.

Is Burgundy the Sole Definition of French Pinot Noir Wine?

For many years, Burgundy has held the title of French Pinot Noir’s epicenter, renowned for its production of the world’s most prestigious and desirable wines.

It wouldn’t be fair to define French Pinot Noir only by its connection to Burgundy.

Burgundy may have been the birthplace of Pinot Noir, but the grape has since expanded its reach throughout France, with Champagne, Loire, and Alsace among the regions that have developed their own unique expressions of the varietal. Each region imparts its own distinct terroir into the wine, resulting in a range of styles and flavor profiles.

The Best Pinot Noir Wines From France

After sampling some of the most exceptional Pinot Noir wines that France has to offer, we’ve compiled a list of the standouts that are truly worth mentioning:

Morey-Saint-Denis Premier Cru “Les Broc” 2018

– David Duband, Burgundy, France

The village of Morey-Saint-Denis is located in the Côte de Nuits sub-region of Burgundy, France, and is known for producing some of the finest Pinot Noirs in the world.

This Pinot Noir is a fine-tuned expression of its terroir, exhibiting a perfect balance of earthy and fruity notes. The flavors of cherry and raspberry are prominent, complemented by subtle hints of oak that add depth and complexity. On the nose, the wine offers enticing aromas of spice, mushrooms, and licorice.

Very harmonious and balanced, with a bright and lively acidity that brings a refreshing lift to the wine. A masterful display of balance and poise, showcasing the unique characteristics of its terroir in a beautiful and elegant way.

Great Value!

Vougeot Clos du Prieure Monopole 2018

– Domaine de la Vougeraie, Burgundy, France

Nine centuries ago, the monks from Cîteaux cultivated their vineyards with an intuitive understanding of the different terroirs and their infinite complexity.

The Vougeot Clos du Prieure Monopole is a wine that embodies this tradition of excellence. This wine is made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in a single vineyard, which gives it a distinctive character that is unique to that specific terroir.

Exceptional balance of fruit, tannin, and acidity. Vougeot Clos du Prieure Monopole is another French Pinot Noir wine of great finesse and elegance, with supple fruit flavors and earthy, mushroomy undertones. The aromas of ripe strawberry, red fruit, and mineral notes create a perfect harmony that is unique to this wine.

Worth every cent!

Sancerre Rouge 2018

– Domaine Fouassier – Francois Le Saint, Burgundy, France

Well, as a French Pinot Noir that is not from Burgundy, this Red Sancerre is definitely worth trying. The Loire Valley is the second most Pinot Noir-planted region in France.

Darker and heavier than most Burgundy Pinot Noir wines, yet still on the elegant side. Well-balanced acidity and a soft tannin mouthfeel.

Dry and earthy, with prominent aromas of ripe cherry and rose petals. The palate is smooth with gentle flavors of red plum, truffle, and vanilla.

This French Pinot Noir under $30 is an unbeatable deal.

Nuits-Saint-Georges Premier Cru ‘Les Saint Georges’ 2018

– Thibault Liger-Belair, Burgundy, France

This is a wine that has a special place in my heart. I first tried it during a trip to Burgundy, where I had the pleasure of visiting a local vineyard and tasting some of their finest vinos.

From the moment the cork is popped, the deep, rich aromas of black currants, cherries, and spices waft through the air, enticing the senses and hinting at the exquisite flavors to come.

Perfectly balanced palate, with hints of earth and oak, creating a truly harmonious and smooth finish.

Nuits-Saint-Georges wines are highly valued for their depth of flavor, complexity, and exceptional aging potential.

This Pinot Noir wine from France is definitely one of my favorites!

Vieilles Vignes Vosne-Romanée 2018

– Aurélien Verdet, Burgundy, France

Vosne-Romanée is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious villages in Burgundy. The wines it produces are some of the most expensive in the world.

The Aurélien Verdet Pinot Noir presents an opportunity for every wine enthusiast to explore and taste the most renowned terroir for growing Pinot Noir.

Delicately nuanced with a silky mouthfeel and a stunning balance of fruit and mouthwatering acidity. The aroma is dominated by fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry and dried fruit. The palate is lively with well-expressed notes of thyme, mushroom and honey.

This fine wine is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a premium taste experience at an affordable cost.

Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2019

– Domaine Faiveley

One interesting fact about Gevrey-Chambertin Pinot Noir is that it is a unique combination of elegance and finesse.

Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes 2019 is a remarkable Pinot Noir that showcases the exceptional quality of this renowned Burgundian terroir.

This Pinot Noir offers a bouquet of intense aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and subtle hints of spice and earthy notes. On the palate, the wine is elegant, with a silky texture and tannins. Rich fruit flavors of tobacco, raspberry, and vanilla, balanced by a delicate acidity.

As per our expertise, one of the best price-quality French Pinot Noir wines.

Roche Granitique Pinot Noir 2017

-Domaine Martin Schaetzel – Domaine Kirrenbourg – Alsace, France

Last but not least, included in our classification of the best French Pinot Noir wines is a wine from the Alsace region.

Pinot Noir from Alsace is typically lighter and more delicate than other Pinot Noir wines produced in France, such as those from Burgundy.

Fragile and mineral wine, perfect for everybody that likes light-bodied and low-tannin red wines.

Herbal and floral notes on the nose, followed by a gentle flavors of red cherry, vanilla and thyme.

Final Words

From the legendary vineyards of Burgundy to the north regions of Alsace and Sancerre, France produces some of the world’s finest Pinot Noirs.

The unique terroirs, the specific nature of the pinot noir grape, and the rich history and tradition of French winemaking all contribute to the complexity and character of these wines.

Whether you are a winemaker or a wine connoisseur, or just discovering the world of Pinot Noir, French Pinot Noir offers a remarkable experience that is worth exploring.

It is important to note that our list of the best Pinot Noir wines from France contains only those that we have actually tasted. Comparing them to other Pinot Noirs revealed that these are of premium quality.