Quick answer: Pinot Noir pairs best with earthy, savory, and moderately rich foods: roast chicken, duck, salmon, mushrooms, pork tenderloin, and Gruyère or Brie. Its bright acidity and light tannin make it one of the most food friendly red wines in the world.
Pinot Noir is light to medium bodied with red fruit flavors like cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, plus earthy notes of mushroom, forest floor, and spice. It has high acidity and low tannin, which means it flatters a huge range of dishes without overpowering them. Here are 12 pairings that make it shine.
1. Roast Chicken
A simple roast chicken with herbs and crispy skin is a perfect Pinot Noir dinner. The wine’s acidity cuts the fat in the skin, and its red fruit complements the savory meat.
2. Duck
Duck breast with a cherry or orange sauce is one of the great Pinot pairings. Pinot’s red berry fruit mirrors the sauce while its acidity balances duck’s rich fat. Classic Burgundy with duck is hard to beat.
3. Salmon
Pinot Noir is one of the few reds that pairs well with fish, thanks to its low tannin. Grilled or roasted salmon is the best match. See our full guide to wine with salmon.
4. Mushroom Risotto
Earthy mushrooms echo the savory, forest floor notes in Pinot Noir, especially in Burgundy and Oregon wines. Add a little Parmigiano and thyme for a perfect match.
5. Pork Tenderloin
Lean, tender pork with a fruit glaze, mustard crust, or herbs pairs beautifully with Pinot’s bright fruit.
6. Turkey and Thanksgiving Dinner
Pinot Noir is the go to Thanksgiving wine because it works with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables all at once. Read our Thanksgiving wine pairing guide.
7. Beef Bourguignon
This Burgundian classic is braised in red Burgundy, which is made from Pinot Noir. Serve it with the same style of wine you cook with.
8. Lamb
Herb crusted lamb chops or roasted rack of lamb pair well with a fuller, riper Pinot Noir from California or New Zealand’s Central Otago.
9. Pizza With Mushrooms or Sausage
Pinot Noir’s acidity matches tomato sauce, and its earthiness complements mushroom or sausage toppings. A great weeknight pairing.
10. Tuna
Seared ahi tuna is meaty enough for red wine. A light, chilled Pinot Noir is an excellent match, especially with a soy or sesame glaze.
11. Gruyère and Comté
Nutty Alpine cheeses are some of the best cheese pairings for Pinot Noir. Their savory, caramelized flavor complements the wine’s red fruit.
12. Brie and Camembert
Pinot’s low tannin means it will not clash with soft, creamy cheeses. Learn more in our Brie pairing guide.
Foods to Avoid With Pinot Noir
- Very spicy dishes: heat can make the wine taste thin and hot
- Heavy, fatty red meat: a well marbled ribeye usually wants a bolder wine like Cabernet. See our wine with steak guide.
- Delicate white fish with lemon: better with crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc
- Very sweet desserts: sweetness makes dry wines taste sour
Pinot Noir Styles by Region
- Burgundy, France: earthy, elegant, and savory with high acidity
- Oregon (Willamette Valley): bright red fruit with earthy depth
- California (Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara, Russian River): riper, fuller, with dark cherry and spice
- New Zealand (Central Otago, Marlborough): vibrant, juicy, and fruit forward
- Germany (Spätburgunder): light, fresh, and increasingly excellent
Earthy Old World Pinot loves mushrooms and game. Fruit forward New World Pinot is great with salmon, pork, and grilled dishes.
How to Serve Pinot Noir
Serve Pinot Noir slightly cool, around 55 to 60°F. About 15 minutes in the refrigerator is usually enough. Use a wide bowled glass to concentrate its delicate aromas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What food goes best with Pinot Noir?
Roast chicken, duck, salmon, mushroom dishes, pork tenderloin, and Thanksgiving turkey are the best matches. Gruyère, Comté, and Brie are excellent cheese pairings.
Does Pinot Noir go with steak?
Pinot Noir pairs best with leaner cuts like filet mignon or steak with mushroom sauce. Fatty cuts like ribeye usually pair better with bolder wines.
Should Pinot Noir be chilled?
Serve Pinot Noir slightly cool, about 55 to 60°F. Fifteen minutes in the refrigerator brings most bottles to the right temperature.
What cheese goes with Pinot Noir?
Gruyère, Comté, Brie, Camembert, young Gouda, and mild washed rind cheeses all pair well with Pinot Noir.
