Perfect pinot wines: 6 of the best from our wine expert

The biggest thing to happen to Pinot Grigio in the early 21st century was the TOGs. Remember them? Half of you are nodding at the memory. The other half think this is a reference to duvets.

‘Terry’s Old Geezers and Gals’ were the devotees of Wake up to Wogan on BBC Radio 2. And they loved Pinot Grigio. They would ring in with silly names like ‘Edina Clouds’, ‘Clodagh Rubbish’, and ‘Chuffer Dandridge’ and tell stories – usually lubricated by Pinot Grigio – and soon became a national favourite. They were wine’s answer to Sir Terry himself, really.

We didn’t just fall for Pinot Grigio. The French grape Pinot is like the alien in a horror movie and mutates at the drop of a hat. So, we have pinkish-grey Pinot Grigio, then Pinot Gris – same grape but differently styled – as well as red Pinot Noir. And white Pinot Blanc.

Not to mention oddments like Pinot Meunier, whose name means ‘the miller’ because it looks like it’s dusted with flour.

Between them the various Pinots make for perfect early summer drinking.

Our 6 best pinot wines to try

Try Incanta Pinot Noir 2022 from Romania (12.5% £9.99). It is juicy enough to lightly chill and serve with spicy salads but robust enough for grills and barbecues, and classy enough to surprise your friends when you reveal it came from Romania.

Then you can ask if Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir 2022 from Chile is the country’s best-value Pinot Noir (11%, £7).

It has to be a contender at that price. Light, fresh, and still with Pinot Noir’s earthy tang. 

Or for a treat, try Tiki Ridge Reserve Pinot Noir 2021 Marlborough (13%, £12.99) with its rippling, supple and rich black fruit. 

The warmer evenings call for something pink. Like Asda Extra Special Pinot Grigio Rosé 2022 (12%, £7.75) – an Italian gem that tastes as lovely as it looks, with peachy, slightly almond-scented fruit.

The forgotten grape in the family is often Pinot Blanc(o). Which is a crime. Try Piccozza Pinot Bianco 2021 (13.5%, £12.99) from the vineyards of Trentino in Italy, adjacent to the ski resorts.

Breathe in the citrus fruit with white jasmine floral aromas and alpine freshness. 

Finally, a big surprise. Missing Gate Pinot Blanc 2022 (13%, £34). This wine from Essex – yes, Essex – has stunned the wine world with its 2020 vintage.

Is the UK the new home for fine Pinot Blanc? It could be. It’s certainly something that would get the TOGs talking.