What to Pair Your Pinot Noir With

3 Recipes for Pinot Noir

Roasted Chicken or Duck

Roasted Chicken or Duck

Description :

The high acidity and light body of Pinot Noir complement the rich flavors of roasted chicken or duck. The wine’s red fruit and earthy notes enhance the dish’s savoriness.

Mushroom Risotto or Truffle Dishes

Mushroom Risotto or Truffle Dishes

Description :

The earthy flavors of Pinot Noir harmonize beautifully with mushroom-based dishes or those incorporating truffles. The wine’s subtle complexity and moderate tannins provide a perfect balance with these savory flavors.

Salmon or Oily Fish

Salmon or Oily Fish

Description :

Pinot Noir’s bright acidity and soft tannins make it an excellent match for fatty fish like salmon or mackerel, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fish without overpowering it.

More on Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

A light to medium-bodied red wine known for its elegance and complexity. This wine thrives in cooler climates, where it develops its signature nuanced flavors.

Appearance:

  • Color: Pale red and translucent, owing to its thin skins and light pigmentation.
  • Opacity: Translucent, allowing light to pass through the wine easily.

Aroma:

  • Primary Aromas: Red fruit notes such as red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, and sometimes cranberry.
  • Secondary Aromas: Notes from oak aging, including vanilla, clove, and sometimes cocoa or coffee.
  • Tertiary Aromas: With age, Pinot Noir can develop more complex aromas such as truffle, forest floor, dried leaves, and even floral notes like violet or rose.

Flavor Profile:

  • Fruit Flavors: Dominated by red fruit flavors like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry; in warmer climates, it may show darker fruit notes like black cherry and plum.
  • Other Flavors: Earthy notes (mushroom, truffle), herbal nuances (tea leaves, tobacco), and sometimes a hint of spice (clove, cinnamon).
  • Oak Influence: Aging in oak can impart flavors of vanilla, toast, and sweet spices, depending on the type and age of the barrels used.

Structure:

  • Body: Light to medium-bodied, providing a delicate mouthfeel.
  • Tannins: Moderate to high tannins, providing a firm structure and aging potential.
  • Acidity: High, which adds freshness and enhances the wine’s food pairing versatility.
  • Alcohol: Ranges from 13.5% to 14.5%.

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