Dear *|FNAME|*,

Captivating and complex, Pinot Noir is known as the heartbreak grape and can often be found at heartbreaking prices. Wine Cellar has your back with three Pinots from two revered French producers, Trimbach in Alsace and Burgundy’s Olivier Leflaive – all under R600!

A long-time team favourite, Trimbach’s Pinot Noir Réserve 2021 is vivid, pure and delicate. Whilst Alsace is famous for Riesling, the region’s Pinot Noir ‘can not only hold its own, but even outperform other highly reputed regions’, says Decanter. With its clay and chalk terroir, warming climate and producers’ increased know-how and commitment to the cause, Alsatian Pinot Noir might become your new go-to red.

‘The rise of beautiful wines made from more lowly appellations’ (Jasper Morris MW) keeps a part of Burgundy in the value game. From one of the most famous names, Olivier Leflaive’s Bourgogne Rouge Cuvée Margot 2020 and Côte de Beaune Villages 2018 are both elegant and fragrant medium-bodied Pinots, with sleek tannins and a juicy finish.

Bourgogne Rouge Cuvée Margot is sourced from various terroirs within the Côte de Beaune, with the majority hailing from Pommard. Long, cool fermentations are followed by ageing in French oak (60%) and stainless steel. This is the red counterpart to their famous blanc, Bourgogne Les Sétilles, and offers terrific value.

The Côte de Beaune Villages is equally fascinating. It’s a great mosaic of the area, with grapes sourced from Pernand-Vergelesses, Monthélie, Auxey-Duresses, St-Aubin, Santenay, Les Maranges, Chorey-Les-Beaune and more. Matured for two months in stainless steel and a further 13 months in French oak barrels, this 2018 shows lush red and black fruit layered with florals and spices, an incredible mid-palate and delicate grip. Enjoy it now or over the next couple of years.

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Tasting notes

Trimbach Pinot Noir Réserve 2021

'This Pinot comes from parcels in St Hippolyte, Rodern (both granitic and Triassic sandstone) and the limestone soils of Soulzmatt and Rouffach. The 2021 Pinot Noir Réserve is a pan-Alsace wine spanning south and north. This was aged in cement and large foudre. The nose is beautifully open and displays hints of iron oxide, tart red cherry and red forest fruits. The palate is taut and bright, light-bodied yet with a lovely edge of licorice and slightly crunchy tannins. The fruit is beautifully pure, tart and vivid. The finish is smooth with red-fruits and bright freshness.' – Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous, 90/100

Olivier Leflaive Bourgogne Rouge Cuvée Margot 2020

'Fragrant nose of cherries, ripe plums, cloves and some toast. Medium-bodied, bright and juicy, with nicely sleek tannins. Delicious.' – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 90/100

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