Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a light- to medium-bodied red wine made from a notoriously finicky grape that thrives in cooler climates. Known for its pale ruby color, it typically offers bright red fruit flavors like cherry and raspberry, alongside earthy undertones of spice and forest floor. The biggest variation you will find is between the delicate, savory styles of cooler regions and the riper, more fruit-forward bottles from warmer areas.

When choosing a bottle, look at the region on the label. Old World classics like French Burgundy tend to be earthy and subtle, while New World options from Oregon, New Zealand, or California often showcase bolder, juicier fruit. Pinot Noir is incredibly versatile at the dinner table. Its high acidity and low tannins make it a perfect match for everything from roasted duck and salmon to earthy mushroom dishes.