The great thing about Pinot Noir is that it is a very versatile wine. Not only are there a variety of types out there, but each of those types contains options for pairing well with practically any meal you can cook up.
There’s an old saying among many winemakers and enthusiasts that “if you like it, then it pairs well with your meal.” While this is true, there are still ways to find that ideal Pinot that complements a particular food group better than others. We’ll take a look at some of the most popular types of Pinot below, as well as how their compositions work to bring out the best of the meals we think are top-notch.
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Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms
Bacon-stuffed mushrooms is an excellent choice that begs pairing with a good Pinot Noir. This is because Pinot pairs well not only with a variety of meats such as pork, but mushrooms as well. Practically any variety of Pinot pairs with mushrooms, and the rich, full-bodied Pinots can make the most of the bacon in this dish.
This particular dish has some added benefits as well, as it can serve as either a full meal depending on the setting and secondary ingredients used, or as an appetizer. In addition, It’s a relatively quick and simple dish to make, which means that it serves as a great introductory dish if one is just starting to learn about pairing Pinot Noir with various foods. While you’re here, check out some of this history of Pinot Noir and some of its most famous regions.
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Plank Grilled Salmon Steak
Salmon is one of the more popular pairings because again, it’s one that works well with practically any Pinot Noir depending on how the salmon is prepared. If you’re new to wine pairings, you may not know that white tends to be paired with fish. However, it’s fine to pair a Pinot Noir with salmon because salmon has a rich, intense taste and texture that requires a wine with a bit more acidity to it in order to really bring out the flavor and to be able to handle the textures and fats inherent in the fish. We’ve chosen plank grilled salmon in particular because the way it is prepared is particularly inviting to a Pinot. The smoky textures from the plank of your dish will really bring out the full flavor of the Pinot.
Note, however, that although some “smoky textures” can be perfect for a Pinot pairing, you should avoid pairing it with smoked dishes included smoked fish. Dishes prepared in this way tend to overwhelm the tastes and aromas of Pinot Noir.
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Roast Pork Loin With Potatoes and Herbs
Pinot is an excellent choice here too because it tends to handle the earthy textures and flavors of most herbs very well. Because you will likely be using some flavorings such as garlic, onion, or a variety of powders thereof to bring some added textures and tastes to the pork, we recommend a pinot noir with at least a “medium-body.” Primarily because such a wine will have a bit more of an earthy undertone to it, and thus be able to lend itself well to the herbal essences used with the main dish.
For some added flavor and a fun variation, try adding Pinot Noir sauce to this dish, a common favorite among many. Yes, you can double the Pinot enjoyment here with a Pinot Noir sauce for the pork. Grab some demi-glaze, add a few shallots while keeping things at a moderate heat. Once the shallots have softened, add the glaze and 3/4cp of Pinot to drizzle over the pork.
These are but a few of the best meals you can pair with pinot noir. Its beauty is in its versatility, with enough body to handle most dishes either in the restaurant or in the home, and a delicate crispness that we please any wine drinkers, whether they prefer a white or a red, like pinot. If you’re a discerning shopper, take a look at the recent phenomenon of very affordable pinot courtesy of Bankrate.
