Pairing Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir has become a serious contender in the world of fine wine. There was a time when the name Pinot Noir was an obscurity amongst the average wine drinker. Those in the know understood that red Burgundy was made from Pinot and vintner-pioneers in Oregon, and California had already started experimentation and the search for the perfect terroir to grow the varietal. However, to the consumer, Pinot Noir was an unknown. Then, around 2005, its popularity skyrocketed.
Many will say that the movie “Sideways” did much more good for Pinot than it did badly for Merlot, and I’m willing to accept that. I recall a merchant confessing to me that the number one red wine that people were requesting at the time was Pinot, but they didn’t want to pay for it. The problem with Pinot Noir is that it’s a finicky grape that’s sensitive to wind, frost, soil types and pruning techniques. It likes cool climates and yields must be low to produce serious wines. When you put this all together, you have a costly wine to produce.
However, there are a lot of reasons to love Pinot Noir and to justify the cost of a good bottle. I’ve had many friends express that if they could start their cellars over from scratch, they would buy nothing but Burgundy. Pinot can be ripe, suave and sexy, or it can be earthy, wild and lean. From Burgundy, it can create wines that last decades, and in New Zealand, it can make rich, plummy examples that are hard to resist upon release. It’s a grape that is sensitive to terroir, much more than most, and can express the region it’s grown in better than any I know. With Pinot, there’s something for everyone, which is why we must talk about food.
You see, Pinot Noir is not your average red grape, and if you think that a medium-rare Porterhouse steak is the way to go, think again. Each region gives us a unique expression and a new challenge. So, let’s take a look at pairing Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir and Food image via Shutterstock
Many will say that the movie “Sideways” did much more good for Pinot than it did badly for Merlot, and I’m willing to accept that. I recall a merchant confessing to me that the number one red wine that people were requesting at the time was Pinot, but they didn’t want to pay for it. The problem with Pinot Noir is that it’s a finicky grape that’s sensitive to wind, frost, soil types and pruning techniques. It likes cool climates and yields must be low to produce serious wines. When you put this all together, you have a costly wine to produce.
However, there are a lot of reasons to love Pinot Noir and to justify the cost of a good bottle. I’ve had many friends express that if they could start their cellars over from scratch, they would buy nothing but Burgundy. Pinot can be ripe, suave and sexy, or it can be earthy, wild and lean. From Burgundy, it can create wines that last decades, and in New Zealand, it can make rich, plummy examples that are hard to resist upon release. It’s a grape that is sensitive to terroir, much more than most, and can express the region it’s grown in better than any I know. With Pinot, there’s something for everyone, which is why we must talk about food.
You see, Pinot Noir is not your average red grape, and if you think that a medium-rare Porterhouse steak is the way to go, think again. Each region gives us a unique expression and a new challenge. So, let’s take a look at pairing Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir and Food image via Shutterstock
Comments
The recipes look absolutely wonderful. I want to try them all. However, I'm a little leary about the pinot noir with salmon.
Nov 19, 2012 at 1:23 PM
I know it's hard to make that connection with the Salmon until you've tried it but I assure you it works. Get yourself a Oregon Pinot that's from a producer that's not looking for overly extracted or super-fruity pinot. Someone whose going for more of a Burgundy expression in Oregon. You'll be happily surprised.
Nov 19, 2012 at 2:40 PM
inestoYou
Some of the best salmon in the world comes from the Pacific Northwest and it is as much a staple for most Oregonians as Grits are to the folks in the south. So as hard as it is to imagine, rest assured, most Oregon Pinot Noirs were born to be mated to a deliciously and perfectly grilled fresh line caught salmon. Having a hard time putting a red wine with the dish? Go for one of several incredible and delicious white versions of the grape being produced in the region. Such as Ghost Hill Cellars Pinot Noir Blanc or others listed in several recent articles in publications such as Sunset Magazine, MIX (based in Portland, OR) http://www.oregonlive.com/mix/index... or Eugene's Register Guard (http://www.registerguard.com/web/sp...). Trust me, you'll be amazed!
Nov 19, 2012 at 3:20 PM
lson
Pinot Noir is excellent with salmon. We have long made that pairing here living in the Pacific Northwest (Canada included). The savoury and heavier nature of the fish is complemented by the structure and flavour of the wine. I agree with the advice above to grill - keep it simple and it is perfect.
Nov 19, 2012 at 3:27 PM
Eric, a wonderful article as usual. I always look forward to seeing your wine/food pairings, as your advice is spot on. Snooth needs to have you write weekly, but that would prolly take up a lot of your time!! Keep it comin!
BTW- I am allergic to all fish:-(, but my friend from out of state made a wild salmon to serve with the Sonoma Pinot I sent her. She said the pairing was divine.
Nov 19, 2012 at 5:52 PM
Sherman
Pinot and salmon is superb! Just make sure you do not over cook the fish....you need that juiciness and the suave oiliness. We like it roasted until it just barely flakes. We often serve it with a Burgundian 'meurette' sauce.
Nov 20, 2012 at 4:24 AM
fer
The Oregon Pinot / Salmon is right on! This is a classic pairing in my mind. The regional differences of Pinot are to me, greater than any other varietal. The only miss in the article to me is that there is a vast difference between Northern Cal (Russian River) Pinot vs. Southern Cal (Santa Barbara) juice. Nice article!
Nov 20, 2012 at 10:14 AM
Thanks everyone, I had a lot of fun writing and pairign for this article. If I keep this up, i might end up one of those people that's obsessed with Pinot. I have to say that the ones from Oregon and New Zealand really made a lasting impression. Not to take away from the rest, but those two are still fresh in my memory.
Nov 20, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Dear Mr. Guido an interesting article and a good introduction and essay about the wonderful Pinot Noir grape.
I was somewhat saddened to hear that you make no mention though of European Pinot Noir past the Alto Adige, as Spatburgunder has been grown in Germany for the last 700-800 years and now with global warming and greatly improved wine techniques the quality has vastly improved.
And in Germany you can find a wide range of Pinot Noir starting from a supermarket easy drinking from 7 US$ up until a Groses Gewachs single vineyard for 60 US$. Yes a Vosne-Romanee or Gevrey-Chambertin it will never be, but if you are going to include Central Otago, Martinborough and the Willamette Valley then include Baden and Ahr in your Pinot Noir guide.
Please understand that I mean no disrespect or disregard for these exceptional terriors, their wine making styles or wine makers; simply I believe you should have a more well rounded approach to your writing. You could even go the distance and include Austria and Hungary in this list for the adventurous types.
Cheers & Happy New Year!
Solomon Mengeu
Dec 29, 2012 at 1:29 AM
hirsch
I agree about the pairing suggestion they have chosen, I think Pinot Noir gives his best, with these type of food, beef made with thick sauces, lamb, pork even some fishes like salmon. But I also tried some pasta with mushrooms or some type or stew, in Argentina we are making fine Pinot Noir specially from south of the country in Rio Negro and Neuquen. In the article its mentioned also Merlot, that has some points in common with Pinot Noir, in pairing matters, I think that also true, and in the "terroirs" I just mentioned they grew together.
Dec 30, 2012 at 7:30 PM
wblock
Its sweet :)
Aug 03, 2013 at 12:10 AM
imping
Its superb
Aug 03, 2013 at 1:41 AM
a
Its really good :)
Aug 03, 2013 at 1:46 AM
ted
Marvelous...!!
Aug 03, 2013 at 6:13 AM
n
Good one
Aug 05, 2013 at 4:47 AM
ful
Its sweet :)
Aug 05, 2013 at 4:58 AM
er
Thats very good
Aug 12, 2013 at 2:05 AM
Really good
Aug 13, 2013 at 4:46 AM
r
Eric, a wonderful article as usual.
Aug 14, 2013 at 12:24 AM
hoes
Thats very good
Aug 17, 2013 at 1:48 AM
eerful
really nice....
Aug 20, 2013 at 2:29 AM
mise
Really good
Aug 30, 2013 at 6:03 AM
ve
fabulous
Aug 30, 2013 at 10:25 AM
wonderful
Sep 04, 2013 at 11:25 AM
tate
great one
Sep 05, 2013 at 5:19 PM
ed
really good
Sep 06, 2013 at 12:53 AM
ons
outstanding
Sep 06, 2013 at 8:30 PM
er
Thats brilliant
Sep 07, 2013 at 12:41 AM
nfielder
Awesome
Sep 07, 2013 at 4:41 AM
This is beautiful.
Sep 07, 2013 at 5:03 AM
ps
Thats stunning
Sep 07, 2013 at 5:51 AM
e
woww nice
Sep 08, 2013 at 10:42 AM
nice collection
Sep 09, 2013 at 4:12 AM
guous
great collection
Sep 10, 2013 at 12:04 AM
Thats terrific...
Sep 11, 2013 at 12:42 AM
mmary
amazing
Sep 11, 2013 at 4:36 PM
Botha
Great article and paring, love the salmon one.
Sep 12, 2013 at 9:29 AM
y
Useful...!!
Sep 12, 2013 at 11:54 PM
i
Fabulous, love it
Sep 13, 2013 at 10:26 AM
inghorn
Italy, wow wow wow, looks amazing...
Sep 17, 2013 at 2:46 AM
er
Absolutely love this article. Thank you!!
Sep 18, 2013 at 4:05 AM
Malan
Amazing pairing notes, thank you
Sep 19, 2013 at 3:07 AM
ous
Thats incredibly good
Sep 19, 2013 at 3:25 AM
le
Good one
Sep 20, 2013 at 1:20 AM
WOW, incredible!
Sep 20, 2013 at 3:51 AM
ible
nice one
Sep 20, 2013 at 10:45 AM
Thats remarkable
Sep 23, 2013 at 12:51 AM
Very nice
Sep 23, 2013 at 4:49 AM
Thats remarkable
Sep 24, 2013 at 1:04 AM
sual
Thats beneficial
Sep 26, 2013 at 1:49 AM
ng
amazing
Sep 26, 2013 at 3:40 PM
rated
Its really good :)
Sep 27, 2013 at 4:57 AM
Awe-inspiring...!!
Oct 07, 2013 at 12:07 AM
The Oregon Pinot / Salmon is right on! This is a classic pairing in my mind. The regional differences of Pinot are to me, greater than any other varietal. The only miss in the article to me is that there is a vast difference between Northern Cal (Russian River) Pinot vs. Southern Cal (Santa Barbara) juice.
Oct 09, 2013 at 3:19 AM
ugh
Thats interesting
Oct 09, 2013 at 10:49 PM
Thats terrific...
Oct 17, 2013 at 7:14 AM
Great article and paring, love the salmon one.
Oct 21, 2013 at 11:00 PM
The Oregon Pinot / Salmon is right on! This is a classic pairing in my mind. The regional differences of Pinot are to me, greater than any other varietal. The only miss in the article to me is that there is a vast difference between Northern Cal (Russian River) Pinot vs. Southern Cal (Santa Barbara) juice.
Oct 23, 2013 at 5:19 AM
Eric, a wonderful article as usual.
Oct 31, 2013 at 12:04 AM
y
Thats interesting
Nov 04, 2013 at 3:13 AM
appy
Amazing
Nov 05, 2013 at 12:55 AM
ietician
great
Nov 05, 2013 at 12:56 AM
etcock
Thats magnificent
Nov 07, 2013 at 4:16 AM
Eric, a wonderful article as usual.
Nov 08, 2013 at 12:23 AM
Flannagan
Its astonishing :)
Nov 08, 2013 at 4:56 AM
Brewer
wonderful...
Nov 09, 2013 at 5:05 AM
wonderful...
Nov 11, 2013 at 1:32 AM
ds
Its fantastic :)
Nov 13, 2013 at 1:22 AM
extremely good...
Nov 19, 2013 at 12:37 AM
Good one
Nov 19, 2013 at 4:55 AM
y
Its useful :)
Nov 26, 2013 at 1:34 AM
Thats neat...
Dec 11, 2013 at 4:43 AM
ss
Great article and paring, love the salmon one.
Dec 11, 2013 at 4:44 AM
reak
Its ideal
Dec 12, 2013 at 12:57 AM
t
Good one
Dec 12, 2013 at 1:38 AM
onscope
Its sweet
Dec 12, 2013 at 11:15 PM
w
Excellent
Dec 13, 2013 at 3:50 AM
al
Thats exceptional...
Dec 15, 2013 at 11:12 PM
usty
Its incredibly good
Dec 16, 2013 at 12:28 AM
impressive :)
Dec 17, 2013 at 11:54 PM
s
good
Dec 18, 2013 at 12:05 AM
e1
Its fantastic :)
Dec 19, 2013 at 11:34 PM
ar
Thats very good
Dec 20, 2013 at 5:26 AM
y4u
Marvelous
Dec 21, 2013 at 2:20 AM
s
Thats astounding...
Dec 28, 2013 at 1:34 AM
NICE
Jan 09, 2014 at 11:55 PM
t
Thats exceptional...
Jan 15, 2014 at 11:32 PM
drome
Tremendous...!!
Jan 16, 2014 at 4:32 AM
cow
Thats cold
Jan 16, 2014 at 5:03 AM
fabulous
Jan 16, 2014 at 10:06 PM
e
Its brilliant
Jan 17, 2014 at 2:08 AM
h
Great article and paring, love the salmon one.
Jan 21, 2014 at 11:08 PM
nice :)
Jan 22, 2014 at 5:34 AM
e
Thats great...
Jan 23, 2014 at 5:04 AM
Its spectacular
Jan 29, 2014 at 2:16 AM
led
Spectacular...!!
Feb 01, 2014 at 1:38 AM
Great article and paring, love the salmon one.
Feb 01, 2014 at 4:51 AM
less
Magnificent...!!
Feb 04, 2014 at 12:23 AM
ct
Eric, a wonderful article as usual.
Feb 04, 2014 at 12:53 AM
ng
Thats awe-inspiring...
Feb 06, 2014 at 1:00 AM
g
Magnificent...!!
Feb 23, 2014 at 10:45 PM
n
Thats ideal
Feb 24, 2014 at 12:19 AM
good
Feb 24, 2014 at 12:59 AM
Thats remarkable
Mar 03, 2014 at 4:00 AM
Its cool :)
Mar 06, 2014 at 2:26 AM
Thats very good
Mar 07, 2014 at 4:54 AM
Thats very good
Mar 08, 2014 at 1:20 AM
super
Mar 10, 2014 at 12:01 AM
ty
Thats fascinating
Mar 11, 2014 at 12:58 AM
Its stunning
Mar 28, 2014 at 3:10 AM
er
Exceptional...!!
Mar 28, 2014 at 4:37 AM
s
Thats phenomenal
Mar 31, 2014 at 5:36 AM
iraid
Exceptional...!!
Apr 04, 2014 at 12:50 AM
Beneficial
Apr 04, 2014 at 2:39 AM
Thats cool...
Apr 05, 2014 at 4:44 AM
Its striking :)
Apr 07, 2014 at 1:12 AM
Neat...!!
Apr 07, 2014 at 2:22 AM
The Oregon Pinot / Salmon is right on! This is a classic pairing in my mind. The regional differences of Pinot are to me, greater than any other varietal. The only miss in the article to me is that there is a vast difference between Northern Cal (Russian River) Pinot vs.
Apr 07, 2014 at 2:30 AM
Thats impressive...
Apr 08, 2014 at 4:42 AM
This is beautiful.
Apr 19, 2014 at 2:07 AM
Its fabulous :)
Apr 19, 2014 at 3:00 AM
m
Really good
Apr 20, 2014 at 11:41 PM
obal
Thats astounding
Apr 21, 2014 at 1:24 AM
good
Apr 21, 2014 at 2:57 AM
Marvelous
Apr 26, 2014 at 1:10 AM
great
Apr 26, 2014 at 2:49 AM
ty
Its wonderful
Apr 29, 2014 at 3:02 AM
ams
Cool
Apr 29, 2014 at 4:33 AM
Thats very good
May 01, 2014 at 11:10 PM
great
May 08, 2014 at 2:26 AM
ral
Tremendous...!!
May 08, 2014 at 6:04 AM
great
May 09, 2014 at 1:28 AM
vellana
Its nice
May 19, 2014 at 11:11 PM
Thats superb...
May 21, 2014 at 11:55 PM
k
Good
May 22, 2014 at 3:22 AM
e
Its marvelous :)
May 27, 2014 at 1:38 AM
Thats superb...
Jun 05, 2014 at 5:49 AM
Thats cold.
Jun 10, 2014 at 12:55 AM
s
Its very good :)
Jun 10, 2014 at 6:06 AM
ng
Phenomenal...!!
Jun 11, 2014 at 12:39 AM
rhenson88
Thats helpful
Jun 12, 2014 at 1:23 AM
Thats spectacular
Jun 12, 2014 at 1:43 AM
Thats sweet...
Jun 12, 2014 at 2:01 AM
Wonderful
Jun 12, 2014 at 2:07 AM
y
Thats useful...
Jun 13, 2014 at 12:25 AM
Thats interesting
Jun 16, 2014 at 12:12 AM
2251069
call gilrs in Gurgaon
https://rishikeshgirls.in/call-girl...
https://muskangirlsdwarka.in/
https://rishikeshgirls.in/
https://rishikeshgirls.in/call-girl...
https://www.singledate.in/
https://www.singledate.in/sushant-lok/
https://www.singledate.in/mg-road/
https://www.singledate.in/iffco-chock/
https://www.singledate.in/delhi/
https://www.singledate.in/gurgaon/
https://rishikeshgirls.in/
https://rishikeshgirls.in/call-girl...
https://rishikeshgirls.in/saharanpu...
https://rishikeshgirls.in/call-girl...
https://rishikeshgirls.in/roorkee/
https://shipranoida.in/
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.com/
https://aqualuxdp.ca/
https://kiran69.in/
https://escortscp.in/
https://callgirlsinudaipur.co/
https://callgirlsinudaipur.co/udaip...
https://callgirlsinudaipur.co/call-...
https://myquickbook.com/
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://aqualuxdp.ca/clogged-drains...
https://aqualuxdp.ca/sump-pump-inst...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
https://www.torontoplumbinggroup.co...
Call girls in Dwarka , call girls Dwarka , Dwarka call girls , Call girl in Dwarka , call girl Dwarka , Dwarka call girl , Escorts in Dwarka , Dwarka Escorts , Escort in Dwarka , Dwarka Escort , Call girls service in Dwarka , call girls service Dwarka , Dwarka call girls service , Call girls services in Dwarka , call girls services Dwarka , Dwarka call girls services , Independent Call girls in Dwarka , Independent call girls Dwarka , Dwarka Independent call girls , Independent Call girl in Dwarka , Independent call girl Dwarka , Dwarka Independent call girl , Independent Escorts in Dwarka , Dwarka Independent Escorts , Independent Escort in Dwarka , Dwarka Independent Escort , Independent Call girls service in Dwarka , Independent call girls service Dwarka , Dwarka Independent call girls service , Independent Call girls services in Dwarka , Independent call girls services Dwarka , Dwarka Independent call girls services , Housewives Call girls in Dwarka , Housewives call girls Dwarka , Dwarka Housewives call girls , Housewives Call girl in Dwarka , Housewives call girl Dwarka , Dwarka Housewives call girl , Housewives Escorts in Dwarka , Dwarka Housewives Escorts , Housewives Escort in Dwarka , Dwarka Housewives Escort , Housewives Call girls service in Dwarka , Housewives call girls service Dwarka , Dwarka Housewives call girls service , Housewives Call girls services in Dwarka , Housewives call girls services Dwarka , Dwarka Housewives call girls services , High profile Call girls in Dwarka , High profile call girls Dwarka , Dwarka High profile call girls , High profile Call girl in Dwarka , High profile call girl Dwarka , Dwarka High profile call girl , High profile Escorts in Dwarka , Dwarka High profile Escorts , High profile Escort in Dwarka , Dwarka High profile Escort , High profile Call girls service in Dwarka , High profile call girls service Dwarka , Dwarka High profile call girls service , High profile Call girls services in Dwarka , High profile call girls services Dwarka , Dwarka High profile call girls services , VIP Call girls in Dwarka , VIP call girls Dwarka , Dwarka VIP call girls , VIP Call girl in Dwarka , VIP call girl Dwarka , Dwarka VIP call girl , VIP Escorts in Dwarka , Dwarka VIP Escorts , VIP Escort in Dwarka , Dwarka VIP Escort , VIP Call girls service in Dwarka , VIP call girls service Dwarka , Dwarka VIP call girls service , VIP Call girls services in Dwarka , VIP call girls services Dwarka , Dwarka VIP call girls services , College Call girls in Dwarka , College call girls Dwarka , Dwarka College call girls , College Call girl in Dwarka , College call girl Dwarka , Dwarka College call girl , College Escorts in Dwarka , Dwarka College Escorts , College Escort in Dwarka , Dwarka College Escort , College Call girls service in Dwarka , College call girls service Dwarka , Dwarka College call girls service , College Call girls services in Dwarka , College call girls services Dwarka , Dwarka College call girls services, plumbing company Toronto , plumbing company Mississauga , quickbooks support phone number , plumbing company Toronto , Plumber Near Me in Etobicoke , Water Line Upgrade Toronto , Drain Cleaning Toronto , Clogged Drain Repair Mississauga , Sump Pump Installation Mississauga
Nov 26, 2019 at 5:49 AM
Add a Comment
Submit
Edit Confirm