Few grape varieties achieve the Pinot Noir‘s range of expressions, with wines reflecting their origin so precisely. Within Burgundy alone, the home of Pinot Noir, red wines span the light and fruity to the rich and tannic, with grapes sourced from vineyards sometimes just a few kilometers apart! The characteristic red berry aromas are shared across the different styles however, and is one of the elements which works particularly well with Japanese cuisine.
Below, you’ll find the major styles of Pinot Noir wines along with examples of appellations which fit into those categories, and their usual price points ($ – under $15, $$ – between $15 and $50, $$$ – over $50).
Other red wines are covered on a separate page.
Elegant Pinot Noir
With bright red berry aromas in the forefront, these light and elegant reds come primarily from cooler climates. In Burgundy, the Côte de Beaune specializes in this style, which best complements delicate meat dishes or even seafood.
Best pairings: maguro, shabu shabu
$ : Bourgogne, Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise, Alsace, Côtes du Jura, Arbois, Patagonia
$$ : Côtes de Beaune, Volnay, Santeney, Chorey-les-Beaune, Chambolle-Musigny, Givry, Mercurey, Irancy, Sancerre, Coteaux Champenois, New Zealand (Central Otago), Germany Spätburgunder (Baden, Ahr, Pfalz), Austria Blauburgunder
$$$ : Musigny, Romanée St-Vivant
Robust Pinot Noir
With more dark fruit backed by savory aromas, these powerful and concentrated reds require a serious meat dish with enough richness to soften the full tannins.
Best pairings: wagyu steak
$$ : Nuits-St-Georges, Gevrey-Chambertin,Vosnes-Romanée, Pommard, Fixin, Côte de Nuits Villages
$$$ : Chambertin, Bonnes Mares, Clos Vougeot, Corton
Ripe Pinot Noir
Hailing from warmer wine regions, these rich and intensely fruity reds bordering on jammy aromas are sometimes backed by sweet spice notes (cloves) from oak aging. They work wonders with slightly sweeter Japanese meat preparations, though delicate dishes and seafood can easily become overpowered.
Best pairings: sukiyaki, yakitori w/ tare sauce
$$ : Oregon (Willamette Valley), California (Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara, Carneros), Australia (Victoria, Tasmania), modern style Burgundy
Mature Pinot Noir
With 10 or more years of bottle age, red Burgundy develops enticing earthy aromas reminiscent of mushrooms and make for a great companion to dishes featuring this ingredient.
Best pairings: matsutake mushroom, grilled shitake, nabe
