Pinot Noir is a light red wine that highly complements a variety of dishes. It is known as one of the most popular pairing choices due to its versatility. See how you can pair the ever-popular Pinot Noir with your next meal.
Duck
Duck is a classic dish to pair with Pinot Noir. Since duck has a heavy fat content, it can overwhelm light wines. However, the tannins in Pinot Noir compliment the flavor of duck very well; especially with entrees like roasted duck, which are served in many restaurants.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms accompany many entrees that feature either seafood or meat. Roasted mushrooms with herbs is also a common side dish at many restaurants. Pairing any dish that includes mushrooms with Pinot Noir will highlight its fruitiness. The Old World Style of Pinot Noir pairs especially well with mushrooms.
Shellfish
Crab, lobster and shrimp are commonly paired with white wines; however, due to the versatility of Pinot Noir, it is one of the few red wines that are best suited for shellfish dishes. The only rule is to avoid seafood dishes that have a heavy cream sauce. The tannins in the Pinot Noir may cut through the cream in the sauce, causing an unpleasant taste. Spicy seafood dishes are the best pair with Pinot Noir.
Fish
Entrees that include salmon, mullet, mackerel, herring, and anchovies pair deliciously with the distinctive flavor of Pinot Noir. Many of the fish entrees served in restaurants come with a light to mild butter sauce that complements the fish and Pinot Noir pairing perfectly.
Pork
Pinot Noir pairs well with pork that is either grilled or roasted. Pork is actually leaner than beef, and is commonly cooked or grilled with dry rubs and light marinades, which bring out the warm spice notes in Pinot Noir.
As you can see, Pinot Noir is a popular choice for many diners and it is served at numerous restaurants worldwide. If you decide to serve Pinot Noir at a dinner party, try to pair it with the choices mentioned above. Your guests will be impressed by your choice of wine and the exquisite flavors they’ll taste due to the flawless pairing. If you’re out at a restaurant and don’t know which wine to pair with your entree, go for Pinot Noir. Since it’s known as the versatile wine, it’s usually the winning choice.