Perfectly Pairing Pinot Noir may sound like a daunting task. Although one of the oldest varietals used in wine making, it still holds a certain mystery. One which we’re here to help you uncork.
About the Grape
Pinot Noir is a Vitis Vinifera varietal: red. Its name comes from its French roots in the region of Burgandy. Translating to “pine” and “black,” it refers to the pine-cone shape of the grapes on the vine and the colour of the grapes.
It does well in cooler climates, such as the Lake Erie North Shore appellation and South Islands sub-appellation. Warmer weather can negate its traits. It is a sensitive grape. Some call it finicky and fragile, others refer to it as delicately finessed.
Tasting Pinot Noir
The Wine Council of Ontario offers this description for Pinot Noir.
“Elegant and stylish with complex characteristics. Dry, medium-bodies and silky, with moderate acidity and soft tannins. The bouquet and flavours exhibit notes of cherry, plum, raspberry, black pepper, oak, earth and mushroom.”
Time to Cheers
As with many red wines, serve single varietal Pinot Noirs at slightly cooler than room temperature. This will enable the aromas and complexities of the wine to really be present.
Sparkling Pinto Noir? Yes! Here is where the playful side of Pinot Noir shows itself.
You’ll find Pinot Noir in 3 of our sparkling wines. Bella Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé VQA where it is blended with Auxxerois and Bella Red Sparkling VQA and LOLA Nero Red Sparkling VQA where it is blended with Chambourcin.
Pairing Pinot Noir
In general terms, the more fruit forward versions of Pinot Noir perfectly pair with fatty fish such as salmon, roast chicken and pasta dishes.
Big tannin strong Pinot Noirs are ideal with stews of beef or root vegetables, game birds, eggplant and mushroom based dishes.
Here are some recipe pairing suggestions to perfectly pair with our Pinot Noir offerings.
Pinot Noir VQA pair with: Herb-Roasted King Salmon with Pinot Noir Sauce
Pinot Noir Reserve VQA pair with: Roasted Root Vegetable Risotto
Vinedressers Pinot Noir VQA pair with: The Perfect Chargrilled Steak Note: Our 2017 Vintage is now available in select LCBO Vintages sections.
Bella Pinot Noir Sparkling Rosé VQA pair with: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Shrimp Pasta
LOLA Nero Red Sparkling VQA pair with: Grown Up Mac & Cheese
Cheers!
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