These are the wines that prove every season is pinot season.

Available. Dependable. Goes-with-everything. If that’s what you’re looking for in a wine, then you’re looking for pinot noir. As an easy-drinking, lighter-style red, there’s not a lot it can’t do. Rain, hail or shine, there’s always going to be a pinot to suit the vibe. And that’s because there are so many different styles out there. From light and bright to rich and complex, the spectrum of pinot noir is expansive and always evolving.

Pinot noir is made from a red grape of the same name. Originally from the legendary Burgundy region of France, pinot grapes are now grown around the world – a not-so-simple task for ambitious winemakers. You see, pinot is a notoriously fickle grape that demands the right growing conditions of a cool, coastal climate. And as a result there’s a lot less pinot noir produced compared to other, heartier, red grapes. Honestly, it’s kind of a diva – but that’s kinda why we love it so much. It’s a little bit extra, a little bit more work, but boy is it worth the antics.

Looking for a red wine to drink on a sunny afternoon? Pinot noir. Want a versatile bottle to take along to a dinner party where you don’t know the menu? Pinot noir. Feel like rugging up on the couch with a cosy drop? Surprise, the answer is still pinot noir.

Don’t believe us? You will after tasting one of our prime pinot picks. Below, we’ve pulled together seven of the most unique, exciting and pour-worthy pinot noirs that we’re recommending to everyone at the moment.

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1. Shadowfax Pinot Noir

Macedon Ranges winery Shadowfax has created a gateway pinot noir with this wine. It’s the perfect entry point for red wine drinkers who don’t usually think of pinot as their first choice. It’s still a classically light bodied red wine, but with the kind of complexity and character you’d expect from a heavier varietal. This is your chance to step out of the medium reds aisle and safely dabble on the lighter side.

2. Levantine Hill Estate Pinot Noir

In Australia there are four renowned regions for pinot noir and Levantine Hill Estate sits at the heart of one of the most well-known – the Yarra Valley. With this bottle they’ve created a benchmark wine from a benchmark region, a top-of-its-class pinot noir that showcases just how elegant the wine can be. It’s so good that both newbies and card-carrying members of the pinot lovers club will marvel at it.

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3. Soho McQueen Pinot Noir

It might have a reputation for being a light and ethereal red wine but these days there are plenty of pinots proving the style can pack a punch. Soho’s McQueen Pinot Noir is one of those heavy hitters overhauling pinot’s street cred. It might be grown in New Zealand’s flagship pinot region but it’s a bit left of centre compared to your average Central Otago pinot noir. It’s full of concentrated flavours and intensity that will make you question everything you think you know about pinot.

4. Garagiste Le Stagiaire Pinot Noir

In the past, winemaker Barnaby Flanders has described Garagiste wines as “made in a glorified garage” – which should tell you everything you need to know about his straight shooting and slightly rebellious style of winemaking. Or for an example you can taste: his Le Stagiaire Pinot Noir, a perfect showcase of how much the Mornington Peninsula region defies pinot’s dainty reputation. It’s a taste bud-whopping red wine that’s slightly more acidic but still approachable and fruit-forward. It’ll whack you in the face and you’ll say thanks.

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5. Josef Chromy Pepik Pinot Noir

The cool climate of Tasmania makes it an ideal region for producing elegant pinot noir, like this bottle from the Josef Chromy. As one of the most food-friendly wines you’ll ever come across, it’ll be your saving grace for dinner parties all year round. During the colder months it's a treat alongside stews, but in summer pairs perfectly with lightly grilled salmon. Honestly, there’s not much it can’t do.

6. Dopff Au Moulin Alsace Pinot Noir France

The Dopff’s have been producing wine in the Alsace region of France since 1574, so it’s safe to assume they know a thing or two about making great pinot noir. As you’d expect from a centuries old winery, this pinot is robust and rustic without sacrificing freshness. Pay respect to the wine’s picturesque home region and pop open this bottle in the park on a sunny afternoon. Serve it alongside some charcuterie and you’re practically French.

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7. Te Mata Estate Vineyards Gamay Noir

Okay, you caught us, this wine from New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay is not a pinot at all – but it is closely related. You can think of gamay as pinot noir’s slightly eccentric brother. These highly similar grapes originate from neighbouring parts of France (pinot from Burgundy and gamay from Beaujolais), but you’ll find gamay is juicier, more floral and a teensy bit more acidic. Because it’s easier to grow, it can also be more wallet-friendly. Basically, it’s the party boy of the family who’s always up for a good time. It’s a great alternative for pinot lovers who want to step outside their comfort zone, without leaving it completely.