Pinot Noir: A Food Pairing Superstar.

There was such a good response to the Sauvignon Blanc food pairing email from the Saturday before last that I thought I’d follow it up with another superstar of the wine and food world. Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir is like that charismatic friend who gets along with everyone, easy-going, flexible, and always a delight to have around. Known for its silky texture, delicate flavours, and fantastic versatility, Pinot Noir can take your dining experience to the next level.

A Little Background on Pinot Noir

Let’s start with a quick history lesson. The Pinot Noir grape, with its roots firmly planted in Burgundy, France, has been around for over 2,000 years and is one of the oldest grape varieties still in use today.

It is notoriously tricky to grow, needing just the right conditions to thrive, cool climate, well-drained soil, and a whole lot of TLC from winemakers.

But when it’s done right, the result is nothing short of magical.

Over time, Pinot Noir has spread far beyond Burgundy. Today, it’s grown in regions all over the world, from Oregon’s Willamette Valley to New Zealand’s Central Otago. Each region puts its own spin on the grape, but no matter where it’s grown, Pinot Noir is known for its red fruit flavours (think cherry, raspberry, and strawberry), earthy undertones, and that silky smooth finish.

Famous Fans of Pinot Noir Pinot Noir isn’t just popular among wine lovers; it has some pretty famous fans, too. Miles, the main character in the 2004 Oscar winning movie Sideways, famously declared his love for Pinot Noir, leading to a 16% surge in the wine’s popularity in the U.S. The late actor Paul Newman was also a fan, and even produced his own Pinot Noir under his Newman’s Own label.

Why Pinot Noir is a Food Pairing Celebrity

Pinot Noir is one of the most food-friendly wines out there. Why? It’s all about balance. Pinot Noir has enough acidity to keep things fresh, but it’s also low in tannins, which means it won’t overpower your food. Plus, its flavour profile - full of bright red fruits, subtle spices, and earthy notes - can complement a wide range of dishes.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pinot Noir

Roast Chicken: A Classic Match

If there’s one dish that screams for Pinot Noir, it’s roast chicken. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken, while its red fruit flavours complement the dish’s savoury notes.

Tip: Go for a Burgundy Pinot Noir if you’re serving a traditional French roast chicken with herbs de Provence. The wine’s earthiness and subtle fruit flavours will work beautifully with the chicken’s herbal notes. Again, “what grows together, goes together.”

Mushroom Dishes: Earthy Goodness

Mushrooms and Pinot Noir are a match made in heaven. The earthy flavours in both the wine and the mushrooms create a pairing that’s harmonious and quite scrumptious.

• Mushroom Risotto: The creamy texture and earthy flavours of mushroom risotto are perfectly complemented by a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the richness of the dish, while its cherry and spice notes add a delightful contrast.
• Mushroom Pizza: Got a pizza topped with mushrooms? Pour yourself a glass of Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s Central Otago. The wine’s ripe fruit flavours and subtle tannins enhance the umami-rich mushrooms, making for a perfect pizza night pairing.

Salmon: The Fish for Red Wine Lovers

You might think of white wine when you think of fish, but Pinot Noir breaks the mould. Its light body and bright acidity make it a great match for salmon, especially when it’s grilled or roasted (the salmon, not the Pinot!).

• Grilled Salmon: A Californian Pinot Noir, with its fruit-forward style, is a fantastic match for grilled salmon. The wine’s raspberry and cherry notes complement the rich, fatty flavours of the fish, while its acidity keeps everything balanced.

Duck: A Rich and Elegant Pairing

Pinot Noir and duck is a classic combination that never fails. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the duck, while its fruit notes add a lovely contrast to the meat’s savoury taste.

• Duck à l’Orange: This French classic, with its sweet and tangy orange sauce, is beautifully balanced by a glass of Pinot Noir from Burgundy. The wine’s subtle fruit and earthy notes match the complexity of the dish, creating a pairing that’s sophisticated and satisfying.
• Duck Breast with Berry Sauce: Try a glass of New Zealand Pinot Noir with duck breast served with a berry sauce. The wine’s ripe fruit flavours will complement the berries, while its acidity will balance the richness of the duck.

Cheese Pairings: A Pinot Noir Cheese Board

Pinot Noir’s versatility makes it a great wine to serve with a cheese board. Its light body and fruity, earthiness pair well with a wide range of cheeses.

• Brie: The creamy, buttery texture of Brie is a perfect match for a glass of Californian Pinot Noir.
• Gruyère: The nutty, slightly sweet flavour of Gruyère pairs beautifully with Pinot Noir from Burgundy.