Exploring the Elegance of Pinot Noir: A Red Wine Lover’s Guide
Pinot Noir, one of the world’s most beloved red wines, is a symbol of elegance and finesse. This grape variety is renowned for its delightful flavours and the skill and care it demands in cultivation, making it one of the most expensive wines in the world. Known for its delicate nature, Pinot Noir reflects the terroir like no other, becoming a fascinating subject for both connoisseurs and casual wine enthusiasts.
Characteristics of Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir grapes are distinct in their thin skin, and small clusters, making them susceptible to various vineyard diseases and climate variations—this sensitivity to terroir results in a wide array of expressions depending on where they are grown. The grape’s thin skin contributes to the lighter colour, and lower tannin levels of the wine. At the same time, its sensitivity to climate and soil composition results in a fascinating array of subtle flavour variations.
Flavour Profile
In the glass, Pinot Noir, typically presents a spectrum of aromas and flavours ranging from ripe red fruits like cherries and raspberries, to earthy undertones of mushrooms and forest floor. Aging in oak barrels adds complexity, introducing layers of vanilla, spice, and toastiness. The wine’s hallmark is its balance of fruit, acidity, and fine tannins, making it approachable yet capable of sophisticated depth.
Production Regions of Pinot Noir
While Burgundy remains the heartland of Pinot Noir, the grape has found welcoming conditions in other parts of the world, including the UK. Cooler climates, such as those found in England’s wine-growing regions, have proven ideal for cultivating Pinot Noir, allowing it to express its signature acidity and fruit-forward character. The grape is also grown in Germany, Austria, Italy, the United States, Australia, South Africa, Chile, and New Zealand. Each region imparts its own local terroir, enhancing Pinot Noir’s versatility and appeal.
Introduction to Pairings
Classic Pairings with Pinot Noir
- Versatility: Pinot Noir is celebrated for its versatility in pairing due to its balanced acidity and nuanced flavours.
- General Principle: The wine pairs well with dishes that mirror its profile – neither overpowering nor too light.
Meat Pairings
Poultry: Classic pairings include chicken and roast turkey, where the wine’s fruitiness complements the mild flavours of the meat.
The Pattingham Vineyard Pinot Noir, a British wine, pairs beautifully with roast chicken. This award-winning Pinot Noir has received multiple accolades, including bronze medals from the Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA) 2023, the IWSC 2023, and the WineGB Awards 2023. This delicate and elegant wine is fruity and fresh, with notes of redcurrant and raspberry, making it an easy-going option that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
Its balanced acidity enhances the savoury flavours of roasted chicken, while the earthy undertones complement the herbs and garlic used in the dish. With its refined structure and smooth tannins, this Pinot Noir highlights the versatility of British wines, making it a perfect match for a traditional Sunday roast or a casual midweek dinner.
Duck: A standout pairing is duck, especially with a fruit-based sauce (like cherry or orange) that complements the wine’s fruity notes. For a delightful meal, try pairing the Duckhorn Decoy Pinot Noir 2019 or Domaine Geantet-Pansiot Bourgogne 2021 with crispy aromatic half duck or confit duck legs. The richness of these dishes, with their crispy skin and tender meat, enhances the wines’ elegant fruit and spice profiles, creating a balanced and indulgent pairing.
Venison: For a hearty and rich dish like Venison Wellington, a refined Pinot Noir, such as Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2021, is a fantastic pairing. The wine’s bright acidity and red fruit tones balance the richness of the pastry and venison. However, when venison is served with richer sauces, a Shiraz may be more suitable. The bolder, spicier notes of a Shiraz can stand up to the deeper flavours, offering a robust and satisfying pairing for more intense preparations.
Lamb: Lighter preparations of lamb, such as grilled or herb-crusted, can beautifully harmonise with Pinot Noir’s earthy undertones.
The Matua Pinot Noir 2022 would pair wonderfully with the Trimmed Rack of Lamb. Its bright red fruit flavours and subtle spice will complement the herb-crusted lamb, while the wine’s fresh acidity balances the richness of the meat. The soft tannins in the wine will enhance the delicate texture of the lamb, making for a harmonious and elegant pairing.
Pork: Pinot Noir can be an excellent pairing for pork, especially for dishes with a balance of richness and smoky or sweet elements. The wine’s acidity cuts through the fat, while its bright fruit complements the flavours of dishes like St. Louis-style pork ribs. The versatility of Pinot Noir allows it to harmonise with both herbaceous and spiced pork preparations, offering a balanced and enjoyable pairing.
The Amisfield Pinot Noir 2020 from Central Otago, New Zealand, with its bold red fruit flavours, earthy undertones, and a hint of spice, would work well with both St. Louis-style pork ribs. It’s bright acidity, would cut through the richness of the meat, and complement the sweet, smoky flavours.
Seafood Pairings
- Salmon: One of the few red wines that pair excellently with salmon, especially when the fish is grilled or smoked.
- Tuna: Seared tuna steaks, with their meaty texture, make an excellent pairing for a more robust Pinot Noir.
Tuna and grilled or smoked salmon with Pinot Noir are matches made in heaven. The Duckhorn Decoy Pinot Noir 2019, with its vibrant red fruit flavours and balanced acidity, beautifully complements seafood dishes. Additionally, the Domaine Geantet-Pansiot Bourgogne 2021, with its refined notes of raspberries and soft tannins, is another excellent choice. Additionally, the ARK Pinot Noir 2021, a British wine, brings bright red fruit and earthy undertones, making it a unique pairing for salmon. When pairing Pinot Noir with seafood, hold back on the lemon, as its acidity can interfere with the wine’s tannins.
Vegetarian and Vegan Pairings
- Mushroom Dishes: The earthy flavours of mushrooms, particularly in risottos or stews, complement the similar earthy notes in Pinot Noir.
- Cheese-Based Dishes: Creamy, nutty cheeses like Gruyère or Camembert can enhance the wine’s complexity in dishes.
There’s no better pair for a mushroom-based dish than the Bread & Butter Pinot Noir. This silky wine showcases red fruit flavours of cherry, raspberry, and cranberry. It’s juicy and delicious, with a fullness that’s classic California. Oak aging adds cedary spice and woody herb notes. Additionally, the Domaine Pierre Guillemot Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2022 offers a fresh and vibrant palate with earthy undertones, making it perfect for mushroom dishes. For a more structured wine, the Duckhorn Decoy Pinot Noir 2019 adds depth with its refined tannins and spice, pairing wonderfully with creamy, nutty cheeses like Gruyère or Camembert.
Pasta and Pizza Pairings
- Pasta with Tomato-Based Sauces: Lighter tomato-based pasta dishes, like spaghetti with marinara sauce, pair nicely without overwhelming the wine.
- Pizza with Gourmet Toppings: Pizzas topped with gourmet ingredients like goat cheese, arugula, and prosciutto are excellent with Pinot Noir.
The Adulation Pinot Noir 2021 is an excellent pair for a light pasta dish with a simple marinara sauce. This wine offers beautiful red fruit flavours and balanced acidity, making it a versatile option for food pairing. If you prefer sauces with bolder flavours, or want a wine to enjoy with your favourite pizza with all those gourmet toppings, give the Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir a try.
Spice and Flavour Considerations
- Moderate Spices: Dishes with moderate levels of herbs and spices (like thyme, sage, and fennel) work well, but overly spicy foods can overpower the wine.
- Sweet and Savoury Balance: Pinot Noir shines with dishes that strike a balance between sweet and savoury flavours.
Dessert Pairings
Pinot Noir, with its bright red fruit flavours, moderate tannins, and good acidity, pairs beautifully with a variety of desserts, particularly those that aren’t overly sweet or too rich. Here are some dessert options that can work well with Pinot Noir:
1. Berry-based Desserts:
• Raspberry or Cherry Tart: The tartness of the berries complements Pinot Noir’s fruit-forward profile, especially if the wine has strong cherry or raspberry notes.
• Mixed Berry Pavlova: The light meringue combined with fresh berries creates a dessert that matches Pinot Noir’s bright fruit and acidity without overpowering it.
2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: The light bitterness of dark chocolate paired with the sweetness of strawberries enhances the red fruit notes in the wine, creating a harmonious pairing.
3. Poached Pears in Red Wine: A simple dessert of poached pears in a spiced red wine syrup (which could even be made with Pinot Noir) works wonderfully with the wine’s earthy and fruity characteristics.
4. Fruit-based Crumbles:
• Apple or Plum Crumble: The baked fruit flavours pair well with Pinot Noir’s earthy and fruity notes, and the crumble adds a buttery texture that contrasts nicely with the wine’s acidity.
• Cherry Clafoutis: A French dessert with baked cherries and a custard-like base, it complements the cherry flavours often present in Pinot Noir.
5. Chocolate and Berry Cake:
A light chocolate cake with berry elements (like raspberry or blackberry) offers just enough richness to balance with the Pinot Noir’s fruitiness and acidity, but not so heavy that it overwhelms the wine.
6. Panna Cotta with Berry Compote:
The smooth, creamy texture of panna cotta paired with a tart berry compote provides a nice contrast to Pinot Noir’s acidity and fruit character.
When pairing Pinot Noir with desserts, it’s essential to avoid very sweet, heavy dishes that could overpower the wine. Desserts with berries, moderate sweetness, and some acidity tend to work best, allowing the wine’s delicate flavours to shine.
Buying and Storing Tips
When selecting a Pinot Noir wine, consider the region and vintage as these greatly influence the flavour and aging potential of the wine. Burgundian Pinots are known for their complexity and longevity, while New World styles may offer more fruit-forward profiles. Store the wine in a cool, dark place and serve it slightly chilled to enhance its delicate flavours.
Pinot Noir red wine with its rich history, diverse flavour profiles, and food-friendly nature, invites a journey of exploration, from Burgundy’s historic vineyards to the innovative New World estates. Each bottle tells a story of place and passion. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Pinot Noir offers an enchanting experience that’s both sophisticated and inviting.
- “Did You Know?”: Pinot Noir is one of the primary grapes used to produce Champagne and sparkling wines.
- “Wine Enthusiast’s Glossary”: Terms like “terroir” (the environment in which the grapes are grown) and “vintage” (the year the grapes were harvested) are crucial in understanding the world of wine, particularly for varietals like Pinot Noir that are so reflective of their growing conditions.
Origin and History of Pinot Noir
You may be familiar with the variety thanks to the 2004 film “Sideways,” which played a crucial part in its growing popularity. Still, the story of Pinot Noir begins in the Burgundy region of France. When the Romans invaded France in 121 B.C., they discovered the Gallic tribes enjoying a mysterious wine. This wine was created from the wild Pinot Noir grape and had a distinctive texture, red fruit, and spice notes. A name that resonates with wine lovers globally. This ancient grape variety has been cultivated since the Roman era, evolving over centuries to become a cornerstone of the world’s finest wines. Its historical journey from the monastic vineyards of medieval France, to the modern vineyards across continents, is a testament to its enduring appeal.
FAQs
1. What food goes well with Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir pairs well with a wide range of foods due to its bright acidity and balanced tannins. Some of the best food pairings include:
• Poultry: Roast chicken, turkey, and duck (especially with fruit-based sauces).
• Meats: Lamb, pork tenderloin, venison, and veal.
• Seafood: Grilled salmon, seared tuna, and trout.
• Vegetarian Dishes: Mushroom risotto, roasted root vegetables, and dishes with truffle.
• Cheese: Brie, Gruyère, Camembert, and mild blue cheeses.
• Pasta: Tomato-based sauces, creamy mushroom pasta, and pesto-based dishes.
2. What not to pair with Pinot Noir?
While Pinot Noir is highly versatile, some foods can clash with its delicate profile:
• Spicy Foods: High spice levels can overpower the subtle flavours of Pinot Noir.
• Overly Oily Fish: Mackerel, sardines, or anchovies can make the wine taste metallic.
• Very Sweet Desserts: The acidity in Pinot Noir can make desserts taste cloyingly sweet.
• Strongly Aged Cheeses: Some intensely pungent cheeses, like aged blue cheese or washed-rind cheeses, can overwhelm the wine.
3. Does Pinot Noir go with meat?
Yes! Pinot Noir is one of the best red wines to pair with meat, especially lighter meats like:
• Duck (especially with cherry, plum, or orange-based sauces)
• Roast Chicken and Turkey
• Lamb (especially herb-crusted or grilled)
• Pork Tenderloin
• Game Meats (like venison)
4. What Italian food pairs well with Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with many Italian dishes, especially those with earthy or tomato-based elements. Some great pairings include:
• Mushroom Risotto – complements the wine’s earthy notes.
• Tomato-Based Pasta (like Pomodoro, Marinara, or Bolognese) – balances the acidity in the sauce.
• Truffle Dishes – enhances Pinot Noir’s delicate, earthy flavours.
• Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza – matches well with the wine’s bright acidity.
• Eggplant Parmesan – the wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce.