Westwood 2017 Pinot Noir Annadel Gap Sonoma County

BOTTOMLINE
Expert Recommended
An exquisite, fragrant, and delectable medium-bodied wine.

PROS
The color is rich, dark crimson. The aromas of black cherry and Darjeeling tea. A strong fruit flavor with a hint of blackberry. Light in acidity and tannin. Decanting isn't required. It can be stored for up to 5 years before drinking it.

CONS
The most expensive, however. Some users may prefer a lighter body.

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Angeline 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Sonoma

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Bargain Pick
The characteristic of this versatile and easy-drinking beverage originates from a popular area.

PROS
Ready to drink straight from the bottle or with meat, veggies, cheese, and fish. The flavor is enhanced by plum, blueberry, and strawberry fruit notes.

CONS
Perhaps it's a little too fruity and rich.

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Heirloom Vineyards 2019 Velvet Fog Pinot Noir Adelaide Hills

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Trusted Name
The aroma and flavor of this light-bodied Australian choice are fresh and new, with fruit undertones.

PROS
Pinot Grigio is a medium-bodied wine with high fruitiness. Earthy notes for a full and distinct pinot. There's some tannin in here. Orange aroma with fruity undertones of raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, and coriander flavors.

CONS
Although this wine is refreshing, it is not for those who prefer bold flavors. It has a high acidity level.

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Domaine Sauger 2018 Cheverny Vieilles Vignes

BOTTOMLINE
Simple Yet Solid
The pleasure of the old-world selection from France is rich with fruit and earth nuances.

PROS
A reliable, delicious wine. Fruity and herbaceous scents with strawberry and raspberry undertones. Out of the bottle, it's ready to drink. It goes well with fruit and vegetable dishes.

CONS
Those who enjoy California reds are unlikely to appeal to it.

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Buying Guide for Best Pinot Noir

Pinot noir is one of the most popular and delectable red wines, with a complex flavor profile that works well with various foods. It's easy to drink, ideal for pairing with a broad range of dishes, and appropriate for all seasons. It's a light-bodied crimson with a fruity flavor that isn't overly sweet, making it an ideal substitute for red wine drinkers who despise cabernet sauvignon and white wine drinkers who want fruit without the acid.

Pinot noir is a grape native to Burgundy, France. Because it is a more particular variety than other reds, harvesting it is more difficult, and it tends to be produced in climates worldwide with similar weather conditions. The world's most famous pinot noir producers are France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and the United States, in areas with more temperate weather and longer growing seasons for the grapes to be protected.

Pinot noir is a versatile wine with a subtle taste and smooth drinking quality. Pinot noir is essential to any wine collection because of its red fruit flavor and smooth drinking quality. Our Buying Guide examines the most important characteristics of pinot noir and the many ways it may be consumed.

Sideways, a popular 2004 film about two rambunctious wine enthusiasts, increased sales of pinot noir and decreased Merlot consumption, which was ridiculed in the tale.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Properties

Pinot noir comes in various varietals and has many characteristics in common. However, there may be distinctions based on location. When you try a glass, here's what you'll find inside.

Tannins: The bitterness of tannins is unpleasant. Pinot noir has a pleasant, smooth taste with low levels of tannin. This makes it easier to pair with a wider range of foods and more convenient to drink.

Sweetness: The Australian classic is a dry red wine, although it is not nearly as dry as the popular cabernet sauvignon.

Acidity: Pinot noir's acidity is moderate to high, making it tarter than other reds. The proportions make pinot noir an ideal match for sweet, sour, and fatty foods.

Alcohol: The alcohol content of a glass of pinot noir is the same as that of an average glass of wine, which ranges from 11.5% to 13.5% alcohol. It doesn't have the warming sensation of other red wines, which is one of the reasons it's so popular all year and especially in the summer months.

Body: Pinot noir is a light-bodied red that's easy to consume. It complements a wide range of dishes and is also a great wine to sip on its own, owing to its fruit-forward character, smooth finish, and low alcohol content.

Tasting notes

It is produced by fermenting the juice of red grapes with the skin and seeds. It has a cherry and raspberry fruit profile and notes of tobacco. It's a particularly fragrant wine; spices (such as clove) and flowers (such as hibiscus) are common in most bottles. Younger bottles are typically fruitier in flavor and have a more fragrant aroma, but older bottles mature to acquire musty tastes and rustic characteristics.

Regions

It takes months of nurture and training to grow the perfect Pinot noir. The vine needs a longer growing season and a cooler environment than other fruits, making it more difficult to produce. Grapes are more susceptible to rot and other problems while developing. Despite this, they are cultivated in most parts of the world. Pinot noir from France and countries in the Mediterranean such as Italy and Germany has a stronger earthiness. It grows luxuriantly and comfortably in more moderate climates, like California, New Zealand, and Australia.

Serving

Serve Pinot noir chilled, ideally around 55°F, below room temperature. Most people choose to serve a red wine at room temperature, which is okay but doesn't always allow you to get the most out of the bottle — especially if it's a high-end and high-quality selection. To fully appreciate your pinot noir, chill the bottle in the fridge for five to ten minutes or serve it on ice.

FEATURES

Oak barrel aging

Some wine, particularly pinot noir, may be aged in oak barrels. This is a frequent occurrence in California. Aging in oak barrels naturally develops clove, vanilla, smokiness, and coconut flavors that are ideal for the light and fruity character of pinot noir.

Oregon French connection

If you enjoy pinot noir from Burgundy, don't be scared to explore Oregon's options. The Willamette Valley is located at the same latitude as Burgundy, and because of the similar climate, it may cultivate clones from France. Furthermore, many prominent French winemakers have invested in Oregon because of the state's lucrative, plentiful climate. Wine novices may be hesitant to try Oregon pinot noir, but experts understand that it has a lot in common with its home-grown counterpart.

DID YOU KNOW?

You may be a lover of pinot noir grapes that you never knew. The grapes are also used in pinot grigio and champagne.

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ACCESSORIES

Pinot noir wine glasses: Luigi Bormioli Atelier Wine Glass

Enhance and enjoy all that your good bottle of pinot noir, or even an average one, has to offer with the appropriate glasses. Choose this collection from Luigi Bormioli.

Electric wine opener: Ozeri Noveaux II

Don't fight with corks and risk breaking it off in the bottle or getting bits of cork in your wine. This Ozeri wine opener is both quick and simple to use.

Wine tote: Wine Enthusiast Weekender Bag

Whether you're going to a party or bringing wine home from the shop, it's vital to have a bag to protect bottles without breaking the bank. This beautiful high-quality leather bag holds six bottles and is great for parties or trips to the store.

Wine aerator: Aervana Luxury Wine Aerator

Purchase an aerator that will oxidize wine equally and quickly if you want to aerate fine wine fast and easily. Aervana's beautiful one-touch option is a great addition to any home bar.

On August 18th, International Pinot Noir Day is observed. However, the annual International Pinot Noir Celebration occurs in Oregon from the last full weekend of July through the first week of August.

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PINOT NOIR PRICES

The price of a bottle of Pinot Noir is determined by the confluence of age, region, reputation, demand, and quality. Price does not always indicate quality.

Inexpensive: A good bottle of pinot noir can be purchased for less than $20. This will almost certainly be a popular wine from a big estate made last year, but it will still be enjoyable.

Mid-range: The price of a bottle of pinot noir ranges from $20 to $60. These are typically produced within the past few years and come from worldwide.

Expensive: Some high-end bottles of pinot noir are available for over $60 and even more. Some of these are quite uncommon, with top-end options likely coming from Burgundy, where pinot noir was first cultivated.

DID YOU KNOW?

Black and red wines are made from Pinot noir, one of the world's most renowned six noble grapes for its popularity, taste, and historical impact.

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TIPS

• Serve slightly chilled. Like other red wines, Pinot noir should be served colder than other varieties. Don't be scared to serve it that way.
• Consider using the term "spiced" rather than "spicy." It's vital to note that spices are used in the wine to add flavor, not as a spice.
• Choose the proper glass. Pinot noir is a more delicate red wine than others, and its fragrances are best appreciated in a red wine glass with a wider bottom and narrow rim.
• Make notes. When it comes to pinot noir, there are a lot of options. Keep track of the wineries and bottles you like and those you wish to avoid.

OTHER PRODUCTS WE CONSIDERED

While we've highlighted the five greatest pinot noirs, many outstanding options are available. We like Bien Nacido and Solomon Hill Estates, which can now be enjoyed or enjoyed in a few years and is well worth the investment.

For only $23.99, you can get this bottle from Lemelson Vineyards in Oregon, which has a fruity flavor with spiced undertones for a fantastic price.

Last but not least, try out this selection from Vivier Wines. Strawberry, raspberry, and cherry are among its flavors with a smooth finish.

A bottle of pinot noir is an excellent gift for a quick and easy housewarming present, birthday present, or other tokens of affection. Whether you spend a lot or a little, you can get something lovely that the receiver will like.

FAQ

Q. What should I eat with pinot noir?

A. Pinot noir is a versatile wine that goes well with a wide range of meals because of its light body, low tannin content, and high acidity. The flavors are more intense and flowery in the fruitier versions, while earthier pinot noir is wonderful with game meats and hearty soups and stews.

Q. What is the French term for "terroir"?

A. The term "terroir" may arise in a discussion or when reading about wine, particularly pinot noir. This term means something like "sense of place" and is used to characterize wine that seems to be from a certain region and more territorial than others. Despite its reputation for being difficult to produce, Pinot noir can have distinct characteristics that it does not share with other pinot noirs from the same area. However, terroir is not always something that can be seen or defined. It's more about expectations and may be used by wine experts in serious discussions.

Q. Should I decant a bottle of pinot noir?

A. Because pinot noir is a lighter-bodied red, it does not require decanting as frequently as heavier reds like cabernet, and certainly not for as long. After being swirled in a glass, almost all wines will be suitable for drinking immediately; there will be notes and tastes to enjoy for a few seconds before the wine oxidizes.

On the other hand, some pinot noir has lovely crimson or purple hues. You may appreciate the bottle's aesthetic when displayed in a crystal decanter on your dinner table.

Westwood 2017 Pinot Noir Annadel Gap Sonoma County

BOTTOMLINE
Expert Recommended
An exquisite, fragrant, and delectable medium-bodied wine.

Shop Now

Angeline 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Sonoma

BOTTOMLINE
Bargain Pick
The characteristic of this versatile and easy-drinking beverage originates from a popular area.

Shop Now

Heirloom Vineyards 2019 Velvet Fog Pinot Noir Adelaide Hills

BOTTOMLINE
Trusted Name
The aroma and flavor of this light-bodied Australian choice are fresh and new, with fruit undertones.

Shop Now

Domaine Sauger 2018 Cheverny Vieilles Vignes

BOTTOMLINE
Simple Yet Solid
The pleasure of the old-world selection from France is rich with fruit and earth nuances.

Shop Now