Pinot Noir Day is coming up on August 18th and in the spirit of all things Pinot – we wanted to share a little about this renowned grape.
Pinot Noir is a red grape varietal used to create light to medium-bodied red wines. This grape gets its name from the French word for pine “pinot” due to the way the grapes grow in clusters resembling a pinecone, and the French word for dark “noir” because of the color of the grapes.
Wines made from Pinot Noir grapes will have notes of cherries, red fruits, and mushrooms. If the wine is aged in oak, you might also get notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and various spices. Pinot Noir wines are very food-friendly, so don’t stress when deciding on what to pair your pinot with. We recommend roasted chicken, stews, tuna, salmon, or any charcuterie board. Above all, pinot noir pairs best with good company.
Now that you’re a Pinot expert – here are 3 Pinot Noirs to test your knowledge on!
Craggy Range Te Muna Pinot Noir 2023
From the land down under, New Zealand’s Craggy Range Te Muna Pinot Noir is a complex Pinot Noir with notes of dried lavender, wild berries, and porcini mushrooms. This silky-smooth pinot is a luxurious addition to a charcuterie night with friends.
![](https://b2284927.smushcdn.com/2284927/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Craggy-Range-Pinot-Noir-1024x1024.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
Simple Grape Pinot Noir 2021
Simple Grape Pinot Noir is a fruity Pinot with spicy notes of cherries and blackberries. This food-friendly Pinot Noir complements most fish and poultry dishes and is delicate enough to play nice with veggies as well – our team recommends pairing it with a chicken broccoli stir fry!
![](https://b2284927.smushcdn.com/2284927/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Simple-Grape-Pinot-Noir-Article-1024x1024.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)
Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir 2022
A classic expression of Pinot Noir, Montes Limited Selection Pinot Noir has lively notes of blackberry, fresh raspberry, violet, vanilla, and baking spices. This wine is creamy and elegant, perfect for all those fall soup and risotto dishes you’ve been waiting all summer to try!
![](https://b2284927.smushcdn.com/2284927/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Montes-Pinot-Noir-1024x1024.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=1)