Pinot Noir And What?

Question: “Thank you for your help.  I love Pinot Noir; I just don't really know what foods/appetizers go with it so I just drink it alone.”

Answer:

I will begin by discussing Pinot Noir wine in general and then will provide some specific pairing ideas. 

Pinot Noir is a wine made from the Pinot Noir grape which originates from the Burgundy region of Eastern France.  In France red Burgundy is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes.  This grape dates back to the 14^th century and is believed to have existed in Burgundy since the 4^th century A.D.

Pinot Noir is medium to low in tannin, medium to high in acidity, is relatively high in alcohol, and its aromas do vary depending on the “terroir.”* Certainly though Pinot is known for its fruity aromas of either red berries or black berries and also earthiness.

*Indeed a lengthy discussion in itself, but for this purpose, “terroir” refers to every aspect of an area where a wine is grown, for example, the type of soil, drainage, climate, the elevation and even the slope of the land and which way the vineyard faces in relation to the sun.  

Pinot Noir is a very difficult grape to grow well.  Some have said that even one vine can vary from the next if the ground in one vine slopes a little differently.  It’s also been said that when you get it (Pinot) right, it’s great.  Need I say more?

Now, here are some foods that Pinot Noir goes with*:

beef

bluefish

filet or sole

ham

lamb

pasta primavera

pork

salmon

swordfish

tuna

turkey

* This list is not exhaustive. Pinot Noir can work with many foods, and definitely goes well with creamy sauces, spicy seasonings and, in my humble opinion, is one of the world's most versatile food wines.

I recommend you pick up a good bottle of Pinot Noir today.

In closing, are you wondering how to acquire some good wines for fewer dollars? I mentioned in the previous installment Ed Gandia’s guide called Fool Proof Wine Values which will provide you with a comprehensive list of wines that:

• Taste like wines priced in the $20 to $50 range
• Cost $10 or less
• Deliver consistent quality year after year

Ed’s guide comes with a ton of bonuses and covers a lot more than mentioned above.