One Of The Hands-Down Best Beginner Pinot Noir Bottles Is A Flavorful Sip Under $20

Wine experts don't always agree, but many will stand by the fact that a good bottle doesn't need to break the bank. Sure, there are plenty of collectable sips with eye-watering price tags, but if you're looking for an easy table wine or a beginner-friendly red, there are some great options available for $20 or less. A perfect example is Veramonte Pinot Noir, which made Tasting Table's list of the 10 best pinot noir wines for beginners.

Our expert, a Certified Specialist of Wine and WSET Level 3 holder, recommends this bottle due to its delicate palate and silky tannins, which are achieved through a six-month aging process that takes place in French oak barrels. This smooth, light-bodied red comes from the Casablanca Valley in Chile. Made with organically grown grapes, it boasts a fresh, slightly fruity taste and a silky, balanced mouthfeel. This makes it perfect for those who are new to the varietal.

The berry aromas make this wine approachable, while the light oak and spice notes add complexity. Pinot noir grapes are notoriously tough to work with, so they typically run expensive. Yet, you can nab the Veramonte for as little as $10 from some online retailers. It's the perfect affordable window for those not ready to fork out an entire paycheck for a wine they're not used to. One Vivino user described the 2022 bottle as an "amazing all-rounder," while another deemed it a "very agreeable pinot for the price" and "super easy drinking," despite being on the simpler side.

Veramonte Pinot Noir has received praise from critics and fans alike for its value and reliability. In fact, our expert also listed it among the best wines to serve on the Fourth of July, and another Tasting Table wine pro dubbed it one of the top organic wines out there. However, since wine can be quite subjective, not everyone is going to be a fan.

Some online reviewers have pointed out a strong smell, which one Marketview Liquor customer compared to "old shoes." Another reviewer on the same site considered the bottle a "disappointing pinot" with "no lingering flavor." Even so, the wine seems to come recommended overall, especially when the under $20 price tag is considered.

For home use, the earthiness of Veramonte Pinot Noir would works with dishes like mushroom risotto and brown butter pasta. The cherry and citrus notes of the 2022 vintage would play well with a white chocolate tart or flourless chocolate torte, while the 2020 bottle (reportedly a little more herbaceous) may work best with poultry dishes or cheese boards. There are a number of other vintages too, which many consider to be just as balanced and fruit-forward.