Pick your favourite style of pinot noir from New Zealand’s outstanding wine regions.

New Zealand’s wine regions produce amazing pinot noirs that are deliciously accessible, writes Toni Paterson.

Given its amazing scenery and fabulous food and wine, it’s easy to fall in love with New Zealand and its offerings. Especially its worldclass pinot noirs. This variety has laid down roots in eight areas of the country and each has a unique style. Here are the key players across both islands:

Auckland Due to urban sprawl and competition from other varieties, only small pockets of pinot plantings remain, producing soft, fruit-driven wines. Kumeu River is an excellent example.

Hawkes Bay An historic region with great diversity of soils. The pinot noir is very bright, with defined red-berry flavours. Try Sileni Estates or Lime Rock Wines.

Wellington The Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton regions of Wellington wine country produce aromatically expressive and flavoursome pinots. Top names include Ata Rangi, Kusuda Wines, Dry River, Escarpment, Craggy Range, Urlar, Johner, Palliser Estate, Martinborough Vineyard and Gladstone Vineyard.

Nelson A small, warm and sunny region that’s producing fragrant wines with vibrant fruit. Try the offerings from Aronui and Brightwater Vineyards.

Marlborough This region enjoys warm days and cool nights, and its best wines show vibrancy and clarity. Top producers include Giesen, Fromm and Te Whare Ra.

North Canterbury North of Christchurch, this is a low-rainfall area with a mix of gravelly soils and limestone pockets. Treat yourself to the premium wines of Bell Hill and Bellbird Spring.

Central Otago Close to Queenstown, this is a region of spectacular mountains and valleys. The climate is surprisingly dry, with high amounts of sunlight, and its wines display intensity, concentration and distinction. Try a selection from Felton Road, Mt Difficulty, Chard Farm, Burn Cottage and Two Paddocks.

Waitaki New Zealand’s newest wine region in North Otago produces pinot noir that is elegant and aromatic. Bottles from Valli and Ostler make a great introduction to the local offering.

Recommended 2014 CRAGGY RANGE TE MUNA ROAD PINOT NOIR, $55 Beautiful berry aromas, followed by an intensely flavoured, plush palate. 2015 MOUNT DIFFICULTY BANNOCKBURN PINOT NOIR, $55 The palate is where all the action is: juicy berry flavours, freshness, fine tannins and elegant acidity. Good cellaring potential. 2015 AKARUA PINOT NOIR, $45 Bright and energetic, with gorgeous aromatics, ripe cherry flavours and integrated acidity. 2014 PALLISER ESTATE PINOT NOIR, $40 A lighter style that’s distinctly varietal, with fragrant strawberries and a touch of spice.