Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir: Main Image
The lightest of the main red grapes, Pinot noir is prized for its elegance and silky texture, with bright cherry and strawberry aromas and a medium-bodied fruitiness. Mild and versatile, it is a popular choice when a red wine is desired without being too heavy.

Flavor Descriptors

Generally light to medium-bodied, with a range of pretty red fruit flavors (cherry, strawberry, raspberry). Less fruity styles often have mild earthy forest-floor aromas of mushroom and/or a perfume of dried fruits and exotic spice.

Food Pairings

Pinot Noir from Burgundy

This style shines when paired with pork loin, roasted chicken, and mushroom dishes. With its two traditional mainstays coq au vin and boeuf bourguignonne, not only is it an excellent complement, but is also one of the main ingredients as well. 

California Pinot Noir

With its fruitier style, this works well with chicken, pork, or lean beef, especially when grilled or well-spiced.

Oregon Pinot Noir

Delicious with the locally caught salmon, as well as mildly flavored lamb, chicken, and pork.

Most Pinot Noir...

...Makes an excellent cocktail party red when serving a variety of finger-foods, and the varied tastes of many guests need to be considered. Also an interesting stepping-stone red in multicourse (and multiwine) meals.

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The information presented here is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of US–registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.