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Do you love the taste of red wine, but don’t know where to start when it comes to Pinot Noir? This guide is for you! In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about this delicious varietal.
We’ll talk about the different types of Pinot Noir, as well as some tips on how to choose a bottle that’s right for you. So whether you’re a red wine lover or just getting started, read on for all the information you need to know about Pinot!
Is Pinot Noir Wine Dry or Sweet?
Pinot is a dry red wine. This means that there is no residual sugar left after fermentation. However, the wine does have natural red fruit flavors that can make it taste juicy and slightly sweet. Don’t worry though, there is limited residual sugar in Pinot Noir!
Tips to Choose Pinot Noir Wines
Now that you know a little bit more about Pinot Noir, it’s time to start shopping for your next bottle! Here are a few tips to help you choose the right one:
- Check the label: Make sure you’re buying Pinot and not another type of wine.
- Consider the price: Pinot Noir can range in price from around $15 to $100 or more. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on a good bottle, but there’s no need to break the bank either.
- Read the reviews: Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, take some time to read online reviews or ask friends for their recommendations.
- Trust your gut: Ultimately, you should choose a wine that you think you’ll enjoy. If you’re not sure, ask the salesperson for a recommendation.
Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Notes
The flavor and tasting notes may vary according to where the grape grows and the specific red wine-making processes. Pinot generally has a bright fruit aroma like black cherry, red cherry, blackberry, raspberry, strawberry, and other red fruits.
It should not be overlooked that fruit flavors make Pinot Noir a beautiful red wine that does not necessarily have sweet flavors.
How Long Does Wine Last After Opening the Bottle?
Following are a few key points to keep in mind:
- The flavor may vary according to where the grape grows and the specific wine-making processes.
- Pinot generally has a bright fruit aroma like black cherry, red cherry, blackberry, raspberry, strawberry, and other red fruits.
- It should not be overlooked that fruit flavors make Pinot Noir a beautiful wine that does not necessarily have sweet flavors.
- Depending on whether it is an older Pinot aged in oak barrels or oak you can also detect subtle spices and vanilla.
Pinot noirs are usually dried red wines and are comparatively light-bodied wines with low silky tannins and clear acidity.
Food Pairings with Pinot Noir Wine: What Works and What Doesn’t?
Now that you know a little bit more about Pinot, it’s time to start thinking about food pairings! The ideal pairing of wine with food complements its lovely red fruit flavor, vibrant acidity, and elegant taste. These attributes make Pinot Noir an excellent partner for lighter meats like ducks, and lambs or white meats like chicken.
Those richly flavored salmon are also good or can be cooked using bold cooking techniques. Earth-colored vegetables and herbs such as mushrooms and thyme complement wine flavors and they work particularly well with risotto and noodles.
Food pairings that do not match Pinot contain rich flavor dense food. The wine will not be able to cut through the richness of the food and it can make the wine seem flat. Examples of such foods are lamb cooked in a cream sauce, grilled steak with mushrooms, and roasted chicken with creamy gravy.
When it comes to cheese pairings, Pinot Noir goes best with sheep’s milk cheese, which has a grassy flavor that pairs nicely with the wine’s fruitiness. Avoid strong-flavored cheeses like blue cheese or Parmesan, as they will overwhelm the delicate flavors of Pinot.
CLICK HERE for more about pairing pinot with Moussaka!
The Best Way to Serve Pinot Noir?
The ideal serving temperature for Pinot is between 58° and 65°F. Lighter wines can be served at the higher end of this range, while full-bodied Pinot Noirs should be closer to 58°.
If you’re not planning on drinking your wine right away, don’t worry -Pinot Noir can be stored in the fridge for up to three months. Just be sure to put the cork back in the bottle before storing it, as this will help preserve the flavor. Follow this link for a great article about The Best Foods To Pair With Pinot Grigio.
Pinot Noir vs Merlot
Two classic and famous red-wine varieties, pinot and merlot appear in a wide variety of wine lists and can be purchased separately at wine shops. The two red wines have varying degrees of popularity but have distinct features and flavor profiles.
Merlot has larger-bodied tannin nuances as well as more acidity. It can often be drier than pinot noir and have a darker, blueish color. A cool-weather and balanced merlot is sometimes confused with pinot.
On the other hand, pinot noir is a thinner-skinned pinot grape that is more delicate. It is less tannic and has lower acidity levels than merlot. The color of pinot noir can be ruby red or even have a brownish hue. When it comes to taste, pinot noirs are often described as having flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry.
So, What’s the Difference?
The main difference between these two wines is in their flavor profiles. Pinot is typically lighter and fruitier tasting while merlot is often more full-bodied with earthy flavors.
Another important distinction is that pinot noir grapes are thinner skinned than merlot grapes. This means that pinot is typically more delicate and can be more difficult to grow.
Finally, pinot noir wines tend to have lower acidity levels than merlot wines. This difference in acidity gives each wine its unique flavor profile.
CLICK HERE for a great bottle of Pinot or Merlot!
How Much Alcohol Does a Bottle of Pinot Noir Contain?
Pinot Noir’s alcoholic content varies depending upon how the red grapes are grown. The alcohol content in a bottle of Pinot can range from 12% to 14%. The average bottle of Pinot Noir contains about 13% alcohol.
Temperature influences ripe and alcohol concentrations. Pinot in cooler areas like France and Germany often has 12- 13.6% alcoholic content in the liter but can reach between 13.5-15% in growing conditions like California and Australia. Cold or hot weather wines can also affect alcohol levels.
Pinot Noir Wine Regions
Following we share our list of the best pinot noirs by region.
Best Argentina Pinot Noir: Domaine Nico Grand Mère Pinot
Argentina is home to some of the best pinot noir in the world. The Domaine Nico Grand Mère Pinot is a perfect example of this. This wine has all the characteristics that make pinot so special.
It is light to medium bodied and fruit-forward, with delicate flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. The bright acidity levels are low, which makes it an ideal wine for pairing with food. And at 12% alcohol content, it is the perfect wine for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a truly special pinot, look no further than the Domaine Nico Grand Mère Pinot. This wine is sure to impress even the most discerning wine lover. Cheers!
Best Australian Pinot Noir Wine Regions: Yering Station Village Pinot
The Yering Station Village Pinot Noir is one of the best Australian pinot noirs out there. It’s light to medium bodied and fruit-forward, with delicate flavors of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. The bright acidity levels are low, making it an ideal wine for pairing with food. And at 12% alcohol content, it is the perfect wine for any occasion.
Best California Central Coast Pinot Noir: Sandhi Sta. Rita Hills Pinot
This particular Pinot Noir is from California’s central coast Sta. Rita Hills region is known for its cool ocean breezes and resulting in fresh, balanced grapes. The flavors of this wine are bright red berries and hibiscus, with a juicy acid backbone and spongy tannin. Expect strawberry, pomegranate, cola, and delicate black truffle flavors when you drink it. This is a truly delicious wine that any fan of Pinot should try!
Best French Oak Pinot Noir Wine: Domaine de Montille Bourgogne Pinot
The Domaine de Montille is a family-run vineyard that has been around for centuries. The de Montille family has deep roots in the Burgundy region, dating back to the 1730s. However, it was not until the 20th century that the Domain began to focus on viticulture and producing high-quality expensive wines.
In 1995, Etienne de Montill took over as head of the vineyard and transformed it into an organic and biodynamic farm. Today, the Domaine de Montille is one of the few vineyards in Burgundy that is known for its red and white wines. If you are looking for a truly authentic French wine, then look no further than Domaine de Montille Bourgogne Pinot Noir. This wine is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Best New Zealand Pinot Noir: Seresin Leah Pinot
Seresin Leah Pinot Noir is one of the best New Zealand Pinot Noirs available. It hails from the Marlandsborough region and has an ABV of just four percent. Despite its low alcohol content, this wine packs a serious flavor punch, with notes of black tea, wild berries, and plum. Seresin is renowned as a ‘natural’ wine producer, focused primarily on organic agriculture and biodynamic farming.
The winery was opened in 1996 by Michael Seresin, who returned to his home country of New Zealand after a long period spent living in Italy. The Leah in the wine’s name comes from Seresin’s daughters. Most of the red grapes used to produce this Pinot comes from clay soil vineyards at Omaka Valley. If you’re looking for a delicious and unique New Zealand Pinot, Seresin Leah is a great option.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to pinot noir, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, region and ABV can influence how the wine tastes. Second, producers can have different winemaking styles that affect the overall flavor of the wine.
And finally, don’t be afraid to ask your local winemaker or sommelier for recommendations. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find a delicious bottle of pinot that you’ll love!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is pinot noir different from cabernet sauvignon?
A: Pinot is lighter in body than cabernet sauvignon. Pinot noir red wines also have delicate flavors, while cabernet sauvignon wines are typically full-bodied with bolder flavors.
Q: Are pinot noir vines important to flavor?
A: Yes, the vines play an important role in the final flavor of the wine. Pinot noir grapes are notoriously finicky, and they require just the right combination of climate, soil, and weather conditions to reach their full potential.
Q: What is pinot meunier?
A: Pinot Meunier is a red grape variety that is often used in the production of Champagne. It is known for its fruity, floral aromas and its fresh, lively flavors.
Q: What is pinot blanc?
A: Pinot blanc is a white grape variety that is related to pinot gris and pinot noir. It is known for its crisp, refreshing flavors and its ability to age well.
