Pinot Noir

Aged Comté's complex nutty, fruity, and slightly sweet flavors demand beverages with complementary depth. White wines with some richness and oxidative qualities work exceptionally well, while beers with caramel notes and complexity can highlight the cheese's crystalline texture and savory depth.

Alsatian tarte flambée (flammekueche) is a thin, crisp flatbread topped with crème fraîche, thinly sliced onions, and lardons (bacon). The savory, smoky flavors from the pork and the creamy base call for wines with bright acidity and subtle fruit notes to cleanse the palate between bites.

Antipasti typically consists of a variety of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives, creating a diverse flavor profile with savory, tangy, and salty notes. Light, crisp wines with good acidity help cut through the richness of the meats and cheeses, while refreshing beers with moderate carbonation cleanse the palate between different components.

Asian-inspired dishes often feature a harmonious balance of umami, sweet, sour, and sometimes spicy elements that benefit from beverages with bright acidity and subtle sweetness. The aromatic qualities of Riesling and Gewürztraminer complement the complex spices, while the crisp effervescence and citrus notes of Witbier and Saison cut through rich sauces while enhancing delicate flavors.

Beef Wellington's luxurious combination of tender beef tenderloin, rich mushroom duxelles, and buttery puff pastry creates a dish of exceptional depth that calls for beverages with equal complexity. The high fat content and savory umami flavors pair wonderfully with tannic red wines that can cut through the richness, while malt-forward beers with caramel notes complement the browned pastry and earthy mushrooms.

Beef bourguignon is a classic French stew featuring beef braised in red wine with mushrooms, onions, carrots, and bacon, creating deep, complex flavors. The rich umami notes and tender texture of this dish call for wines with good acidity and structure to cut through the richness, while complementary earthy notes enhance the mushroom and beef components.

Brie cheese's creamy, buttery texture and subtle earthy notes call for beverages that can both complement and cut through its richness. Sparkling wines like Champagne provide refreshing acidity and effervescence, while fruity reds like Pinot Noir offer just enough structure without overwhelming the delicate cheese.

Charcuterie boards typically feature a variety of cured meats, cheeses, pickles, nuts, and accompaniments that present a complex interplay of savory, fatty, tangy, and sometimes sweet flavors. Sparkling wines like Champagne or Prosecco cut through the richness with their acidity and effervescence, while light to medium-bodied reds offer complementary fruit notes without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Comté cheese, with its complex nutty, fruity and sometimes caramel-like flavor profile, pairs beautifully with wines from its native Jura region that offer complementary nuttiness and acidity. The cheese's crystalline texture and savory depth also works wonderfully with Belgian-style beers that offer fruity esters and carbonation to cleanse the palate.

Consommé, a clear, refined soup with concentrated flavors, traditionally made from beef stock that's clarified using egg whites, requires beverages that won't overwhelm its subtle complexity. The recommended pairings enhance the soup's umami qualities while providing complementary notes without dominating the delicate flavors.

Coq au Vin is a classic French dish featuring chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, onions, and herbs, creating a rich, complex flavor profile. The earthy, fruity wines complement the wine-infused sauce, while the suggested beer styles offer malty sweetness and subtle acidity to balance the dish's richness.

Creamy cheeses like Brie, Camembert, Brillat-Savarin, and triple creams benefit from beverages that cut through their richness with effervescence or acidity while complementing their buttery, mild flavors. Sparkling wines and bright whites provide palate-cleansing contrast, while Belgian ales and wheat beers offer carbonation and subtle fruit notes that enhance the cheese's creaminess without overwhelming it.

This captivating Pinot Noir from New Zealand's southernmost wine region delivers exactly what cool-climate Pinot should – elegance, purity, and personality. The name '30 Degrees' refers to the latitude where these grapes are grown, placing them in the sweet spot for developing those complex flavors Pinot lovers crave. Central Otago has become a bit of a rock star in the Pinot world – it's like that indie band that suddenly everyone realizes is amazing. This bottle showcases why, with its perfect balance of fruit-forward charm and subtle earthy complexity. Not too light, not too heavy – just right for everything from Tuesday night takeout to Saturday dinner parties where you want to quietly impress everyone without being that person who talks about wine for 45 minutes straight.

The Alma 4 winemaking quartet strikes again – this time with a rosé sparkling that proves Argentina can do pink bubbles just as brilliantly as they do everything else. Made from 100% Pinot Noir grown in high-altitude Mendoza vineyards, this bottle captures all the delicacy and charm you want in a sparkling rosé. Crafted using the traditional method (the same painstaking process used in Champagne), this wine spends time on the lees developing complexity while maintaining the fresh fruit character of the Pinot Noir. It's sophisticated enough for celebrations but priced reasonably enough that Tuesday night can become a celebration. The kind of wine that makes everyone at the table suddenly feel like they're having a much better time – which, let's be honest, they are. Pink bubbles have that effect, especially when they're this good.

Pink bubbles make everything better – it's practically a scientific fact. This sparkling rosé from Baron de Breban brings together two of France's greatest wine pleasures: the elegant bubbles of traditional method sparkling wine and the delicate charm of Provence rosé. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, it offers serious quality at a price that won't make your wallet weep. Baron de Breban has been crafting wines in Provence since the 1950s, and this bottle showcases their expertise in creating wines of both pleasure and refinement. Produced using the same method as Champagne (but without the Champagne price tag), it offers all the complexity and elegant bubbles you want in a quality sparkling wine. The pretty pink color might make it look frivolous, but there's genuine character in the glass. Perfect for celebrations, brunches, or any moment that needs a little extra sparkle – which, let's be honest, is most moments.

Finding good, affordable Pinot Noir is one of wine's great challenges – but this bottle from Bellula in France's sunny Languedoc region proves it's not an impossible quest. While Burgundy may be Pinot's spiritual homeland (with prices to match), this southern French expression delivers remarkable value while maintaining the variety's elegant charm. The name 'Bellula' means 'pretty little one' in Occitan (the traditional language of southern France), and it's an apt description for this wine that offers Pinot's characteristic finesse without breaking the bank. The warmer climate of the Languedoc gives this more fruit intensity than you might find in cooler regions, making it immediately appealing and accessible. There's enough typical Pinot character to satisfy lovers of the grape but with a generous, crowd-pleasing profile that makes it perfect for everyday enjoyment. It's the kind of red that can please both wine geeks and casual drinkers – no small feat at this price point.

The Black Label represents Brew Cru's premium selection – think of it as their 'we're not messing around' bottling. This Pinot Noir shows why New Zealand has become a serious player in the Pinot game, offering that perfect balance of fruit intensity and earthy complexity. The winemakers at Brew Cru have a background in craft brewing, which explains both their name and their approach to winemaking – meticulous attention to detail, respect for raw materials, and a willingness to push boundaries. This Black Label bottling represents their top-tier offering, made from select vineyard blocks and given extra barrel aging to develop those complex secondary flavors that make Pinot Noir enthusiasts go weak at the knees.

This Kiwi Pinot delivers serious bang for your buck – capturing the variety's delicate charm without the Burgundy price tag. Brew Cru has crafted a wine that's both approachable for Pinot newcomers and interesting enough for the aficionados. The craft beverage background of the Brew Cru team shines through in their attention to detail and respect for natural processes. Their standard Pinot Noir (compared to their Black Label offering) emphasizes freshness and drinkability, making it perfect for everyday enjoyment. New Zealand's cool climate allows for the slow ripening that Pinot Noir craves, developing complex flavors while maintaining that crucial acidity that makes the variety so food-friendly.

This isn't your everyday wine – blending Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as still wine (rather than sparkling) is relatively uncommon, but Ciena pulls it off with style. The result is something genuinely interesting: a wine that captures the bright fruit and structure of both varieties while creating something entirely new. It's like the wine equivalent of an unexpected friendship that somehow just works. Mendoza might be known primarily for its Malbec, but this bottle shows the region's versatility and willingness to experiment. The high-altitude vineyards provide the perfect conditions for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to develop intense flavors while maintaining freshness and balance. This blend defies easy categorization – not quite white, not quite red, not quite rosé – making it perfect for those moments when you want something different without venturing into truly weird wine territory. Serve it with an open mind and watch as it pairs surprisingly well with a wide range of foods.

Graham Beck has earned its reputation as South Africa's premier sparkling wine producer, creating méthode champenoise bubbles that can compete with wines twice the price. This Brut was even served at Nelson Mandela's presidential inauguration – not a bad endorsement! Made in the same traditional method as Champagne (with secondary fermentation in the bottle), this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir delivers impressive complexity and refinement. The South African climate gives the wine a bit more fruit expression than typical Champagne, while still maintaining elegant structure and that distinctive brioche character from extended lees aging. It's the perfect bottle for celebrations or for making ordinary moments feel special – without the sticker shock of French Champagne.

Graham Beck's Brut Rosé has earned its place among the world's finest sparkling wines, even being served at Barack Obama's presidential inauguration. This isn't just good South African bubbly – it's exceptional sparkling wine by any standard. Produced using the same traditional method as Champagne, with secondary fermentation in the bottle and extended aging on the lees, this predominantly Pinot Noir blend delivers both elegance and character. The South African sunshine gives the wine a touch more fruit expression than typical Champagne rosé, while still maintaining refined structure and complexity. It's the perfect bottle for making any occasion special – from romantic dinners to Sunday brunch – without the premium price tag of pink Champagne.

German Pinot Noir (or Spätburgunder, if you're trying to impress your friends) makes for some seriously elegant rosé, and Gunther Schlink's version is a perfect example. This isn't your poolside glug-glug pink wine – though it certainly wouldn't be out of place there – it's a rosé with genuine character and finesse. Coming from Germany's Pfalz region, this wine benefits from the cool climate that allows Pinot Noir to develop beautiful aromatics while maintaining that crucial backbone of acidity. It's pale in color but certainly not in flavor. The precision and balance here are remarkable, making this a year-round rosé that transcends the 'summer water' stereotype. Perfect for those who claim they 'don't like rosé' – this bottle has changed many a mind about pink wine's serious credentials.

Named after the ancient Pannonian Sea that once covered this region, Höpler's Pannonica Red is a delightful introduction to Austria's red wine personality. This blend combines the country's signature varieties to create something that's both uniquely Austrian and universally appealing. The blend typically features Blaufränkisch providing structure and spice, Zweigelt adding juicy fruit and approachability, and a touch of Pinot Noir for elegance and aromatics. From Burgenland, Austria's warmest wine region near the Hungarian border, this red offers more fruit and body than you might expect from Austrian wine while maintaining the freshness and drinkability the country is known for. It's the perfect bottle to reach for when you want something different from the usual suspects but don't want to stray too far from the comfort zone – familiar enough to be approachable but distinctive enough to be memorable.

Joseph Drouhin has been making Burgundy wine since 1880, which means they've had plenty of time to perfect their craft – and thankfully they didn't give up during those first few centuries. This entry-level Bourgogne delivers a genuine taste of what makes this region's Pinot Noir so sought after, without requiring a second mortgage. Sourced from vineyards throughout Burgundy, this wine offers that magical combination of fruit and earth that makes Pinot fanatics go weak at the knees. It's like the gateway drug to more expensive Burgundy habits – approachable enough for everyday drinking but with enough complexity to remind you why this region has been making wine-lovers swoon for centuries. Serve it slightly cooled and watch even your Cabernet-loving friends convert to the church of Pinot.

Ken Wright is something of a legend in Oregon Pinot circles – the kind of winemaker other winemakers talk about with a mixture of respect and envy. Since founding his eponymous winery in 1994, he's been crafting some of the most sought-after single-vineyard Pinots in the Willamette Valley. This bottling showcases Wright's signature style: precision, purity of fruit, and a sense of place that makes Oregon Pinot Noir distinctive from its Burgundian ancestors. There's a reason Wine Enthusiast once named him 'Winemaker of the Year' – and it wasn't just for his impressive beard maintenance. The wine delivers that perfect balance of New World fruit expression and Old World structure that makes Oregon Pinots so compelling. Perfect for when you want to impress dinner guests without explicitly mentioning the price tag.

Passetoutgrains is Burgundy's charming little secret – a traditional blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay that delivers serious bang for your buck. Lou Dumont crafts this wine with the same attention to detail as their pricier offerings, resulting in a wine that's both refined and utterly gulpable. This particular bottle strikes that perfect balance between the elegance of Pinot Noir and the jubilant fruitiness of Gamay. It's like having two Burgundian classics in one glass – the sophisticated cousin and the fun one showing up together at the family reunion. Perfect for when you want something with French pedigree that won't require a second mortgage.

Maison L'Envoye (meaning 'The Messenger') is on a mission to deliver authentic, terroir-driven Burgundy without the often eye-watering prices. Their Bourgogne Rouge represents the pure essence of what makes Burgundian Pinot Noir so captivating – elegance, nuance, and that ineffable sense of place. This bottle offers a genuine taste of Burgundy that punches well above its price point. The team behind Maison L'Envoye works closely with dedicated growers, selecting parcels that truly express the region's character. It's the kind of wine that makes you understand why Burgundy enthusiasts can become so obsessive – delivering that perfect balance of fruit, earth, and structure that keeps you coming back for more. For anyone looking to explore what the Burgundy fuss is all about without breaking the bank, consider this your personal invitation.

Finding good, affordable Pinot Noir can feel like searching for a unicorn, but Metairie has somehow managed to tame the notoriously finicky grape in the sunny climate of southern France. This Pays d'Oc version offers the varietal's trademark silky texture and bright fruit without the premium price tag of Burgundy. What makes this Pinot particularly appealing is its unpretentious, easy-drinking nature. It doesn't try to mimic its more expensive cousins – instead, it embraces its Mediterranean personality with juicy fruit and gentle earthiness. Perfect for those moments when you want something lighter than Cab but with enough character to keep things interesting. It's the wine equivalent of that friend who's always pleasant to have around but never demands to be the center of attention.

When most people think of German wine, they think of Riesling – but the country's Pinot Noirs (known locally as Spätburgunder) deserve serious attention too. Prost's Pfalz Pinot showcases why Germany is increasingly recognized as a source of elegant, balanced reds that offer tremendous value compared to their Burgundian cousins. The Pfalz region is one of Germany's warmest wine areas, allowing Pinot Noir to achieve full ripeness while maintaining the freshness and mineral character that makes German wines so distinctive. The result is a red that bridges Old World elegance and New World fruit expression – vibrant and accessible but with enough complexity to keep things interesting. It's perfect for Pinot lovers looking to explore beyond the usual suspects of Burgundy, Oregon, and California. And at this price point, it delivers remarkable quality for everyday drinking.

Seehof's Pinot Noir Rosé comes from Germany's Rheinhessen region, where the Fauth family has been making wine for generations. This isn't the deeper colored, fruit-forward style of rosé found in warmer regions – instead, it showcases the elegant, mineral-driven character that makes German rosés (or 'Rosewein') so compelling. Pinot Noir (known locally as Spätburgunder) thrives in Germany's cool climate, producing wines with remarkable delicacy and nuance. This rosé is made with intention – not as an afterthought or byproduct of red wine production – resulting in perfect balance between fruit expression and refreshing acidity. It's the ideal bottle for those looking to explore beyond Provence and discover the diversity of quality rosé being produced around the world. German wine is about much more than just Riesling, and this bottle is delicious proof of that fact.

Shelter Winery's 'Lovely Lilly' Pinot Noir comes from Germany's Baden region – the country's warmest wine region, situated in the southwest along the Rhine River across from Alsace. While Germany is primarily known for white wines, Baden is a red wine stronghold where Pinot Noir (known locally as Spätburgunder) has been cultivated for centuries. Husband and wife team Hans-Bert Espe and Silke Wolf founded Shelter in 2003 with a focus on minimal intervention winemaking and organic viticulture. Named after their daughter Lilly, this Pinot Noir showcases the elegant, ethereal style that's possible in Germany's cool climate – more Burgundian in character than the riper, more powerful versions found in warmer regions. It's the perfect bottle for Pinot lovers looking to explore beyond the usual suspects and discover why German Pinot Noir has been gaining recognition among wine enthusiasts. Sometimes the most delightful discoveries come from unexpected places.

Named after a fictional band in the mockumentary 'A Mighty Wind' (and yes, that's exactly the kind of reference you'd expect from the delightfully eccentric folks at Teutonic), Jazz Odyssey is an improvised blend that changes with each vintage. This iteration brings together Pinot Noir and the rare Chasselas grape for a light red that breaks all the rules. Teutonic Wine Company founders Barnaby and Olga Tuttle approach winemaking with a combination of reverence for German tradition and irreverence for convention. The result is a wine that's as surprising as it is delicious – light enough to chill, complex enough to contemplate, and distinctive enough to remember long after the bottle is empty. Like great jazz, it's both structured and free-spirited, familiar yet unexpected. Pour this for friends who think they've tried everything.

As the name suggests, this red blend delivers a full-spectrum sensory experience – it's wine recorded in high fidelity. Bringing together the complementary voices of Pinot Noir and its cousin Pinot Meunier (better known for its role in Champagne), Teutonic has created a harmonious duet that's greater than the sum of its parts. Teutonic Wine Company founders Barnaby and Olga Tuttle approach winemaking with a musician's sensibility, which makes the audio recording reference particularly fitting. This light-bodied red showcases their talent for creating wines of precision and character without excessive weight or alcohol. With its transparency and energy, it's the vinous equivalent of discovering a perfectly recorded acoustic album in a world of overproduced pop – an authentic experience that reveals something new with each listen (or in this case, each sip).

This version of Recorded in Stereo brings together three complementary varieties – Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and the rare Chasselas – creating a wine with the clarity and dimension of a perfectly engineered sound recording. Each grape contributes its unique voice to create a harmonious whole. Teutonic Wine Company founders Barnaby and Olga Tuttle approach winemaking with a musician's ear for balance and nuance, which makes the audio recording reference particularly fitting. This light-bodied red showcases their talent for creating wines of precision and character without excessive weight or extraction. It's transparent enough to reveal the unique character of each variety while creating something entirely new in the blend. Like discovering a perfectly recorded album by a band you've never heard before, this wine offers both immediate pleasure and rewarding complexity.