The Ultimate Guide to Pinot Noir Food Pairings

By David Gadd | Published on 2022-07-15

Are you looking for the perfect food pairing for your favorite bottle of Pinot Noir? Look no further! This ultimate guide to Pinot Noir food pairings will provide you with all the information you need to create a delicious and memorable meal. From chocolate and cheese to pasta and charcuterie, we'll explore the best foods to pair with Pinot Noir, as well as some unique snack ideas and vegetarian dishes. We'll even cover Pinot Noir desserts for those with a sweet tooth. So grab a glass of your favorite Pinot Noir and let's get started!

Pinot Noir and Chocolate: A Match Made in Heaven

Pinot Noir and chocolate are a match made in heaven. The sweet, fruity notes of Pinot Noir are the perfect complement to the rich, creamy flavors of chocolate. The combination of these two flavors creates a unique and delightful experience that is sure to please any palate.

When pairing Pinot Noir and chocolate, it is important to consider the type of chocolate you are using. Dark chocolate is the best choice for this pairing, as it has a more intense flavor that will stand up to the boldness of the Pinot Noir. Milk chocolate is also a great option, but it is important to keep in mind that it will be slightly sweeter than dark chocolate.

When selecting a Pinot Noir to pair with chocolate, look for one with a light to medium body and a hint of sweetness. This will help to balance out the richness of the chocolate and create a harmonious flavor combination. Pinot Noir from the Burgundy region of France is an excellent choice for this pairing, as it has a bright acidity that will help to cut through the richness of the chocolate.

Pinot Noir and Cheese: An Unbeatable Combination

When it comes to pairing Pinot Noir with food, few combinations can beat the classic pairing of Pinot Noir and cheese. The subtle, earthy flavors of Pinot Noir pair perfectly with the creamy, nutty flavors of cheese. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a full meal, Pinot Noir and cheese is a match made in heaven.

When selecting a cheese to pair with your Pinot Noir, look for one that has a creamy texture and nutty flavor. Aged cheddar, brie, and gouda are all excellent choices. For a more intense flavor, try blue cheese or a sharp aged cheese. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, try a soft cheese like goat cheese or ricotta.

When it comes to serving your cheese and Pinot Noir, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to serve the cheese at room temperature. This will allow the flavors to come alive and really shine. Second, serve the cheese with a variety of accompaniments such as nuts, dried fruit, and honey. This will add a bit of sweetness and texture to the pairing. Finally, don’t forget to serve a few slices of crusty bread or crackers to complete the experience. With the right accompaniments, Pinot Noir and cheese can be an unforgettable combination.

Pinot Noir and Pasta: A Perfect Pairing

Pinot Noir and pasta make a perfect pairing. The bright acidity of the wine complements the richness of the pasta, while the earthy notes of the wine bring out the subtle flavors of the dish. Pinot Noir is a great choice for a variety of pasta dishes, from the classic spaghetti and meatballs to the more adventurous carbonara.

When pairing Pinot Noir with pasta, it’s important to consider the sauce. For light sauces, such as a simple tomato sauce, a lighter-bodied Pinot Noir is a great choice. For heavier sauces, such as a cream-based sauce, a fuller-bodied Pinot Noir is a better option. For a truly unique pairing, try a Pinot Noir with a white sauce, such as a mushroom Alfredo. The earthy notes of the wine will bring out the subtle flavors of the sauce.

For a truly indulgent experience, pair your Pinot Noir with a decadent seafood pasta dish. The bright acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the dish, while the earthy notes will bring out the subtle flavors of the seafood. Whether you’re making a classic linguine with clams or a more adventurous seafood risotto, Pinot Noir is the perfect wine to pair with your pasta dish.

Snack Ideas for Your Pinot Noir

When it comes to snacking with Pinot Noir, the possibilities are endless. From salty snacks to sweet treats, there’s a Pinot Noir pairing for every palate. Here are some of our favorite snack ideas for your Pinot Noir:

Cheese and crackers are a classic snack that pairs perfectly with Pinot Noir. Choose a variety of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and nutty gouda, and pair them with a variety of crackers. For a more savory snack, try pairing your Pinot Noir with charcuterie, such as salami, prosciutto, and chorizo. For a sweet and salty combination, try pairing your Pinot Noir with a selection of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans.

For a more indulgent snack, try pairing your Pinot Noir with dark chocolate. The rich, fruity notes of the wine will complement the sweetness of the chocolate perfectly. You can also try pairing your Pinot Noir with dried fruits, such as apricots, figs, and dates. These sweet treats will bring out the subtle flavors of the wine. No matter what snacks you choose, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your Pinot Noir.

Best Foods to Pair with Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods. From light appetizers to rich desserts, there are many delicious dishes that pair perfectly with Pinot Noir. Here are some of the best foods to pair with this classic wine.

Cheese is a classic pairing for Pinot Noir. The creamy, earthy flavors of the wine complement the sharpness of cheese. Try pairing Pinot Noir with a soft cheese like Brie, or a hard cheese like Parmesan. The nutty, earthy flavors of the wine will bring out the best in the cheese.

Charcuterie is another great pairing for Pinot Noir. The wine's bright acidity and fruity notes are a perfect match for the salty, savory flavors of cured meats. Try pairing Pinot Noir with prosciutto, salami, or other cured meats. The wine's acidity will help to cut through the richness of the meat.

Vegetables are also a great pairing for Pinot Noir. The wine's bright acidity and fruity notes will bring out the best in vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes, and peppers. Try pairing Pinot Noir with roasted vegetables for a delicious and balanced meal. The wine's acidity will help to cut through the richness of the vegetables.

Pinot Noir and Charcuterie: A Delicious Duo

Pinot Noir and charcuterie are a match made in heaven. The earthy, spicy flavors of charcuterie pair perfectly with the bold, fruity notes of Pinot Noir. The tannins in the wine help to cut through the richness of the charcuterie, creating a balanced and delicious combination.

When pairing Pinot Noir and charcuterie, it is important to consider the flavors of the charcuterie. For example, a spicy salami will pair nicely with a bold, full-bodied Pinot Noir, while a milder salami will work better with a lighter, fruitier Pinot Noir. Additionally, the charcuterie should be served at room temperature to ensure that the flavors of the wine and the charcuterie are not overpowered.

When it comes to accompaniments, there are many options. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a great way to cut through the richness of the charcuterie. Olives, pickles, and other pickled vegetables are also great accompaniments, as they provide a bright, acidic contrast to the charcuterie. For a sweet contrast, try adding some fresh or dried fruit to the plate. Finally, don't forget the bread! A crusty baguette or sourdough loaf is the perfect accompaniment for this delicious duo.

Vegetarian Dishes that Go Well with Pinot Noir

Vegetarian dishes can be a great accompaniment to a glass of Pinot Noir. The light, earthy flavors of the wine pair well with the subtle, natural flavors of many vegetarian dishes. For a delicious, light meal, try pairing Pinot Noir with a simple roasted vegetable dish. Roasted cauliflower, squash, and mushrooms all make excellent accompaniments to Pinot Noir, as the flavors of the vegetables are enhanced by the wine.

If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, try pairing Pinot Noir with a vegetarian pasta dish. The light, earthy flavors of the wine will pair nicely with the richness of a creamy pasta dish. Try making a creamy mushroom and spinach pasta, or a roasted vegetable lasagna. The earthy flavors of the vegetables will be complemented by the light, fruity notes of the Pinot Noir.

For a unique twist, try pairing Pinot Noir with a vegetarian risotto. The creamy texture of the risotto will be balanced by the light, fruity flavors of the wine. Try making a risotto with roasted mushrooms, asparagus, and sweet potatoes. The earthy flavors of the vegetables will be complemented by the light, fruity notes of the Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir Desserts: Sweet and Savory

Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including desserts. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or something savory, there are plenty of delicious options for pairing with Pinot Noir.

For a sweet pairing, try a Pinot Noir with a rich chocolate cake or a creamy cheesecake. The fruitiness of the wine will complement the sweetness of the dessert, while the tannins will provide a nice balance. For something a bit more savory, try a Pinot Noir with a tart apple or pear tart. The acidity of the wine will cut through the sweetness of the fruit, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

For a unique pairing, try a Pinot Noir with a savory tart. The earthy notes of the wine will pair perfectly with the nutty flavors of the tart. The tannins in the wine will also help to cut through the richness of the tart, creating a delightful contrast. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, there are plenty of delicious options for pairing Pinot Noir with desserts.

Conclusion

Pinot Noir is a versatile and complex wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a classic pairing like Pinot Noir and cheese, or something more creative like Pinot Noir and chocolate, the possibilities are endless. With this ultimate guide to Pinot Noir food pairings, you’ll be able to find the perfect combination for any occasion. So, grab a bottle of Pinot Noir and get ready to explore the delicious world of food and wine pairings!