Guide to Pinot Noir Wine

Pinot Noir - French: pino nwaʁ

What is Pinot Noir Wine?

Pinot Noir is the world’s most popular light-bodied red wine and a personal favorite of ours! It is loved far and wide for its red fruit, flower, and spice aromas that drift to the nose and are accentuated by a long, smooth finish.

It is a super versatile grape; Pinot Noir is one of the few red grapes that’s commonly made into red, rosé, white, and sparkling wine.

Pinot Noir vines usually prefer more intermediate climates with long, cool growing seasons (don't we all?). This is why Pinot Noir is often grown in protected valleys or near large bodies of water. It is very similar to Chardonnay in that preference and you will often find these two grapes planted close by. You could say that they are neighbors every wine lover can appreciate.

We all know the United States is very diverse and great stuff come from every region. Well, Pinot Noir is an exception. American Pinot Noir wines come from California. Period. End of story. 

Kidding, but not really.

California might have been too warm for this grape, but the cool breezes and morning fog coming in from the Pacific Ocean make for exceptional winegrowing regions of Pinot Noir. The ocean moderates temperatures in places like Sonoma and the Central Coast to be perfect for Pinot!

What does Pinot Noir taste like?

California Pinot Noir is typically rich, fruity, and lush. The long days of sun and controlled temperatures near bodies of water make it easy for winemakers to pick at the perfect moment. Besides exuding rich fruit flavors, this great wine has subtle spice undertones from aging in oak.

What food should I pair with Pinot Noir?

It is a very versatile food pairing wine given it’s higher high acidity and lower tannin than most other reds. Pinot Noir pairs particularly well with duck, chicken, pork, and mushrooms.

Mark your calendar and pop a cork, August 18th is Pinot Noir Day!