Your basket is currently empty!
Few grape varieties capture the imagination quite like Pinot Noir. Elegant, complex, and expressive of its terroir, this red wine is cherished by winemakers and wine lovers alike. From the cool slopes of Burgundy to the rolling hills of Devon, Pinot Noir continues to thrive, and at Lympstone Manor Estate, it has found a remarkable home.
What makes Pinot Noir so special?
Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape known for its delicate structure and nuanced flavours. Expect notes of cherry, raspberry, and red plum layered with subtle hints of spice, earth, and soft oak. It’s lighter in colour than many reds, with fine tannins and refreshing acidity that give it balance and elegance.
At Lympstone Manor Estate, Pinot Noir is grown alongside Chardonnay and Meunier on the south-facing slopes overlooking the Exe Estuary. While much of the crop contributes to the estate’s sparkling wines, in exceptional vintages a proportion of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are reserved for a limited amount of still bottlings most notably the Triassic Pinot Noir. The much celebrated first release of the Triassic Pinot Noir in 2020 was aged for 18 months in French oak (30% new) and this award-winning wine shows black summer berries, gentle toast, and a refined structure that truly reflects the rising quality of English viticulture today.
A new vintage on the horizon
Following the release of the Triassic Pinot Noir 2020, anticipation is already building for the 2024 vintage, which is set to be released in early 2026. The forthcoming wine promises to capture the purity and precision that define Lympstone Manor’s vineyard expression for the 2024 growing season. Limited in quantity and handcrafted with the same dedication as the 2020 vintage, this next chapter continues the estate’s vision to showcase still wines from Devon’s unique coastal terroir.
Is Pinot Noir dry or sweet?
Pinot Noir is generally dry, with no residual sugar. Its fruit-forward profile might suggest sweetness, but this is balanced by crisp acidity and light tannins. It’s a wine that showcases fruit purity rather than sugar. Think vibrant red berries and a clean, elegant finish.
Is Pinot Noir a good choice for beginners?
Absolutely. Pinot Noir’s soft tannins and smooth mouthfeel make it a great starting point for those new to red wine. Its lighter style bridges the gap between white and red, offering complexity without being overwhelming. As your palate develops, you’ll discover how varied Pinot Noir can be, from silky and fruit-driven to earthy and refined.
What foods pair best with Pinot Noir?
Few wines are as versatile at the table. Pinot Noir complements dishes that echo its balance of fruit and savoury notes.
Some perfect pairings include:
- Duck or game birds, especially with berry sauces
- Mushroom risotto or truffle-infused dishes
- Seared salmon or tuna steaks
- Roast pork or lamb
- Soft cheeses and charcuterie
The Triassic Pinot Noir from Lympstone Manor Estate pairs beautifully with locally inspired dishes such as Devon duck breast or mushroom-based plates that highlight its earthy complexity.
Should Pinot Noir be chilled?
Not always. Serve Pinot Noir anywhere between 13°C – 18°C. Lighter style Pinot Noir should be served more towards 13°C to bring out its bright fruit character and freshness. Too cold, and its aromas will close up. Fuller bodied examples should lean towards 18°C this applies to those more complex wines with earthy or oakey notes. Too warm, and the alcohol becomes more prominent.
Where’s the best place to buy Pinot Noir?
Look for bottles at independent wine merchants, online retailers, or for something truly special directly from Lympstone Manor Estate, where the Triassic Pinot Noir is produced in limited quantities.
Final thoughts
Pinot Noir is a wine of subtlety and soul. Whether you’re exploring the great names of Burgundy or enjoying a glass of Lympstone Manor Estate’s Triassic Pinot Noir in the heart of Devon, this is a grape that never stops captivating those who pour it.
Currently we have limited bottles of our Lympstone Manor Estate 2020 Triassic Pinot Noir available for fine dining at Lympstone Manor and our new release of the Triassic Pinot Noir 2024 will be in early in 2026.
