Are All Pinot Noirs the Same?

We’ve all been there: getting cross-eyed over a restaurant’s wine list, trying to decide which wine will complement your grilled steak and your date’s mushroom ravioli. Luckily, that’s where pinot noir comes in.    

Pinot noir is a versatile and delicious red wine that's perfect for the holiday season. With its complex flavors and elegant structure, pinot noir's chameleon-like versatility means it can pair beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, making it a crowd-pleaser for any celebration. 

As good as that all sounds, the next question remains: Aren’t they all the same?     

The short answer is it depends. In this guide, we’ll go over what pinot noir is, how these wines that are made across the world are similar and different, and how you can decide which bottle is the best for you. 

What is Pinot Noir?

Pinot noir is a red-wine grape variety most often made in a dry red style, though many examples of rosé and sparkling wines exist. It typically has medium-high acidity, is low in tannins and is low-medium in alcohol. 

Burgundy makes some of the world’s most renowned (and most expensive) pinot in the world, but Chile, New Zealand, Germany, California and Oregon also make exceptional wines. It’s typically aged in neutral oak and, outside of some sparkling wines, is rarely blended with other red wines. Why? Because pinot noir grapes are difficult to grow in most climates and require a lot of attention and care. This makes it outstanding as a single varietal wine.   

What Makes Pinot Noirs Different Across Different Regions? 

While pinot noir grown across the world may be (almost) genetically identical, there are a lot of other factors that make pinot noirs taste wildly different from each other. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different factors that come into play: 

Climate – Cooler climate pinot has higher acidity and more bright red fruit flavor, whereas moderate climate pinot is fuller in body with more flavors of cooked red fruit.

Winemaking methods – Oak aging is common when making pinot noir, but the length of time and the quality of barrels both influence the flavor profile, from minimal oak flavor to more heavily spiced and woodsy flavors.

Aging – Young pinot offers brighter notes of summertime red fruit. With age, those flavors transform into a more mushroom or forest floor flavor.

The specific flavors and aromas can vary depending on the region where the grapes are grown. 

• California Pinot Noir is known for its bright fruit flavors, like strawberry and cherry, with notes of spice and oak. 

• Oregon Pinot Noir is generally known for its delicate flavors with bright, red fruits like cherry and raspberries, along with high acidity. 

• French Pinot Noir varies depending on region, but also has high acidity and tends to have with more earthy notes of spice and oak alongside vibrant fruit flavors.

How to Pick the Best Pinot Noir for You

Pinot noir's versatility and approachability make it a crowd-pleaser for any holiday celebration. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or a small dinner party, pouring pinot noir is sure to impress your guests. 

And now that we’ve answered what makes Pinot Noir similar and different, the next question is: How do you decide which pinot to pick? Here are a few suggestions:   

Want a bold fruity red? Opt for a California-grown Belle Glos pinot. 

Craving something refined with a hint of spice? Try a bottle of Louis Jadot pinot. Aged in French oak for 9 months, this French pinot is a must-try. 

Or feeling something lighter and fresher? Try Argyle, a fantastic Oregon pinot. 

On a budget? Don’t sleep on Ammunition pinot. 

As a versatile and easily enjoyable red wine, pinot noir goes great with just about every holiday meal: 

• Thanksgiving: Pair pinot noir with turkey, stuffing or roasted vegetables. 

• Christmas: Enjoy pinot noir with ham, glazed salmon or a cheese platter. 

• New Year's Eve: Celebrate with a sparkling pinot noir or a pinot-based cocktail. 

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, pinot noir is a delicious and versatile wine that's perfect for the holiday season. So raise a glass of pinot noir and toast to a happy and healthy holiday season!