Pinot Noir’s origins are from Burgundy, France where the main varietals are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Burgundy wine region of Cotes de Nuits (in the Cote d’Or) is the home to pinot noir.
Where else can you find Pinot Noir in the world?
Well, follow the latitude across the globe. Stateside, Pinot Noir grows really well in Oregon, specifically the Willamette Valley in Oregon. I had the pleasure of staying at Stoller Estates and imbibing their wine as well as many other prominent Pinot Noir producers.
New Zealand main varietals are Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. The most southerly wine region in the world is New Zealand’s South Island, Central Otago region that makes Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir tends to have flavors and aromas including warm baked cherries, plums, damp earth, mushrooms, cedar, cigars, chocolate, worn leather, sweat and dry leaves. The earthy quality pinot noirs lend themselves well to pairing with earthy-type foods like mushrooms. Also, when pairing Pinot Noirs with food, consider that they are lighter in body than a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Zinfandel.
I recommend pairing Pinot Noir with my:
