The London Wine Competition is a UK-based international competition that aims to recognize and promote wine brands that truly resonate with consumers. It stands apart by focusing on three key factors: quality, value for money, and packaging appeal. By doing so, the competition identifies wines that not only deliver excellence but also offer real market value, appealing to both wine drinkers and trade buyers alike. It shines a spotlight on those wines that are not only outstanding in taste but are also created with a specific audience in mind, making them more desirable and relevant.

Unique Characteristics of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is renowned for its delicate, pale to medium appearance, owing to its thin-skinned grape variety. It thrives in regions with extended spring and fall, contributing to its complex aromatic profile, dominated by esters that give rise to flavours like ripe cherry, raspberry, and earthy undertones of forest floor, tea leaves, and clove. On the nose, Pinot Noir presents an intricate blend of red fruits, with subtle notes of spice, vanilla, and smoke when oak-aged. Over time, the wine develops secondary aromas like mushroom and leather. Its light to medium body, combined with low tannins and high acidity, gives Pinot Noir a graceful, refined palate, complemented by moderate alcohol levels, usually between 12-14%, creating a silky and elegant mouthfeel.

Exclusive Insights from winners

Exclusive winner showcase videos, like this one featuring the Specially Selected Freemans Bay Marlborough Pinot Noir, offer a unique opportunity to gain insight into some of the top-performing Pinot Noirs in the market. These short, informative videos provide a closer look at the wines that have excelled in prestigious competitions, highlighting what makes them stand out. 

The Best Pinot Noirs from the London Wine Competition 2024

1. Landmark 2022 Grand Detour Pinot Noir, Gold Medal (96 Points)

Landmark 2022 Grand Detour Pinot Noir, an award-winning Pinot Noir from Landmark Vineyards, United States, showcases redcurrant and strawberry aromas with intense flavours of red and morello cherry. With vibrant acidity and a concentration of flavours, this 2022 vintage won the title of Best in Show by Varietal, making it a must-try for those seeking an expertly balanced wine with a harmonious finish.

Image Title & Source: Landmark 2022 Grand Detour Pinot Noir

2. Corton Grand Cru Les Maréchaudes, Gold Medal (95 Points)

Hailing from SCEV Domaine du Château de Meursault, France, this Grand Cru Pinot Noir is elegant and intense. With aromas of berries, cherry, strawberry, and well-integrated oak, it offers a dry palate, smooth tannins, and a long, complex finish. Recognized as Best in Show by Country, this 2022 vintage epitomises the sophisticated charm of French Pinot Noir.

Image Title & Source: Corton Grand Cru Les Maréchaudes

3. Classic Cuvee, Gold Medal (92 Points)

Produced by Lympstone Manor Estate in the United Kingdom, this Classic Cuvee Pinot Noir has a distinctive aroma of bread, toast, and nuts. Its balanced acidity gives structure to a palate layered with citrus, apple, and toasty hints. Awarded Best in Show by Country, this 2020 vintage is a standout for those who enjoy a refined, elegant wine with excellent length.

Image Title & Source: Classic Cuvee

4. Violet Vines 2021 Estate Pinot Noir, Gold Medal (92 Points)

This 2021 Estate Pinot Noir from Violet Vines, United States, captivates with its medium purple appearance and aromatic notes of blueberry and raspberry. Dry with intense flavours of red cherry and strawberry, it showcases the terroir’s distinct characteristics. This wine is perfect for those who appreciate a complex and expressive Pinot Noir.

Image Title & Source: Violet Vines 2021 Estate Pinot Noir

5. Estate Pinot Noir, Gold Medal (91 Points)

Levantine Hill Estate from Australia brings forth a well-balanced Estate Pinot Noir with high acidity, minerality, and flavours of strawberry and cherry. This elegant 2021 vintage is complex, with earthy, leathery undertones and a lengthy finish. It's ideal for those who appreciate both finesse and structure in their wines.

Image Title & Source: Estate Pinot Noir

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Top Pinot Noir Wine Producing Regions

France

The Burgundy region in France is synonymous with Pinot Noir, as it is where the grape variety originates. Burgundy is known for producing some of the most collectible and age-worthy Pinot Noirs in the world. The wines are often characterised by tart cherry and earthy flavours with a green stem note. Over centuries, Burgundy has perfected the growing, harvesting, and vinification techniques that make its Pinot Noir so coveted. These wines are highly sought after by collectors and wine enthusiasts due to their ageing potential and complexity.

United States

Pinot Noir thrives in several U.S. regions, with Sonoma Valley, particularly the Russian River Valley, and Napa Valley in California being prominent producers. The United States is also becoming a leader in Pinot Noir production through Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Californian Pinot Noirs often exhibit black cherry and raspberry flavours, while those from Sonoma are aged in French oak, adding vanilla notes. American Pinot Noir ranges from Burgundy-style wines with firmer tannins and mineral accents to richer versions with dark fruit and spice.

Germany

Pinot Noir, locally known as Spätburgunder, is the most widely planted red grape variety in Germany. The Ahr region, with its warmer climate, is famous for producing Spätburgunder with ripe plum-like flavours, fresh acidity, and an earthy undertone. These German Pinot Noirs are light to medium-bodied, offering a distinctive, elegant style. The growing popularity of these wines in international markets is a testament to their increasing quality and appeal.

Italy

Italian Pinot Noir, or Pinot Nero, is most notable in Northern Italy, particularly in Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Veneto. These wines share some of the earthy qualities of French Pinot Noirs but are typically riper. Italian Pinot Noirs tend to be light in body and fruity, often exhibiting rich, dark, and earthy flavours. This style has made Italian Pinot Noir increasingly attractive to consumers looking for a more approachable yet sophisticated wine.

If you are a sommelier, wine importer or a wine retail buyer, check out the award winning Pinot Noirs from London Wine Competition and try stocking them. These wines won on quality, value and package.

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