Pinot Noir is a delicious and complex red wine that pairs well with a range of various types of food.
However, with the right ingredients, it can be an incredibly satisfying pairing experience. From its light yet robust body to its sweet and savory accents, Pinot Noir is one of the most versatile wines for pairing with food.
But what is the best food to pair with pinot noir? From creamy pasta to tart salads, there’s something for everyone when it comes to pairing this delicious red wine.
If you’re looking for some creative and delicious dishes to pair with your Pinot Noir, then look no further! Let’s explore a few of the best options for pairing this versatile beverage.
25 Best Food to Pair with Pinot Noir
1. Cheese & Charcuterie Platter
A classic cheese and charcuterie platter makes an excellent companion to a glass of Pinot Noir.
The salty cured meats like prosciutto, salami and soppressata are complemented by soft cheeses such as brie, blue cheese and Boursin. As you nibble on the food items, take sips of your pinot noir; both will bring out the best in each other!
2. Poultry Dishes
Chicken dishes are often considered ideal pairings for pinot noir. Rich flavors such as wild mushrooms, roasted garlic or tomatoes all bring out the earthy notes in this full-bodied red wine.
Try pairing your favorite chicken dish with a lightly oaked pinot noir for an unforgettable match!
3. Seafood Dishes
Pinot Noir pairs exceptionally well with seafood dishes that have subtle flavors—think salmon or halibut cooked in a buttery lemon sauce.
The acidity in the lemon cuts through the creamy texture of the fish while still allowing you to enjoy all of the rich flavors of your pinot noir.
For something more adventurous, try your favorite shellfish, like mussels or clams, cooked in white wine or served in a light tomato sauce—it’s sure to be an unforgettable meal!
Discover More: Best Veggies go In Seafood Boil
4. Creamy Pasta Dishes
Pinot Noir is a perfect choice for pairing with creamy pasta dishes like carbonara or fettuccine Alfredo.
The savory and slightly acidic flavors of the wine complement the richness of the cream-based sauces.
Try adding some roasted vegetables or mushrooms to these dishes in order to create a more complex flavor profile that will really bring out the complexity of the wine.
5. Fish Dishes
Pinot Noir pairs especially well with white fish such as sole or cod. The delicate flavors of these fish are complemented perfectly by the subtle flavors of Pinot Noir.
Try preparing your favorite type of white fish with a simple lemon-butter sauce; it will not only help bring out the sweetness of the wine but also add a nice bit of acidity that will balance out the dish perfectly.
6. Tart Salads
Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with tart salads such as Waldorf salad or spinach salad with apples and dried cranberries.
The acidity in these salads helps bring out all the fruity notes in Pinot Noir, while the sweetness from fruits like apples adds a nice balance to this flavorful combination.
For an even more interesting flavor profile, try adding some crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese to your salad.
7. Duck
The earthy flavor of Pinot Noir complements the rich, gamey taste of duck.
8. Salmon
Pinot Noir pairs particularly well with salmon due to its light, delicate flavor.
9. Mushroom Risotto
Pinot Noir’s earthy undertones make it a perfect pairing for mushroom-based dishes.
10. Pork Tenderloin
The juicy, tender meat of pork tenderloin is elevated by the subtle sweetness of Pinot Noir. (Recipe)
11. Grilled Tuna
The smoky flavor of grilled tuna is balanced by the light acidity of Pinot Noir.
12. Roast Chicken
The subtle flavor of roast chicken is enhanced by the bright acidity of Pinot Noir.
13. Lobster
Pinot Noir pairs well with the delicate flavor of lobster, making for an elegant and refined meal.
14. Beef Bourguignon
The rich, meaty flavors of beef bourguignon are enhanced by the earthy undertones of Pinot Noir.
Explore More: Best Wine for Beef Bourguignon
15. Ratatouille
The bright flavors of ratatouille are complemented by the light and fruity notes of Pinot Noir.
16. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
The earthy flavors of grilled portobello mushrooms are brought to life by the light acidity of Pinot Noir.
17. Roast Pork
The sweet notes of roast pork are balanced by the subtle complexity of Pinot Noir.
18. Tuna Tartare
The fresh, light flavors of tuna tartare are perfectly complemented by the delicate notes of Pinot Noir.
19. Grilled Chicken
The smoky flavors of grilled chicken are elevated by the light acidity of Pinot Noir.
20. Beef Stew
The rich, hearty flavors of beef stew are perfectly complemented by the earthy undertones of Pinot Noir.
21. Gnocchi
The rich flavors of gnocchi are balanced by the bright acidity of Pinot Noir.
22. Beef Tenderloin
The bold, meaty flavors of beef tenderloin are perfectly complemented by the subtle sweetness of Pinot Noir.
23. Grilled Shrimp
The bright, citrus notes of grilled shrimp are perfectly balanced by the light acidity of Pinot Noir.
Find Out More: Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Fried Shrimp
24. Coq au Vin
The hearty, bold flavors of coq au vin are enhanced by the subtle nuances of Pinot Noir.
25. Mushroom Soup
The earthy flavors of mushroom soup are brought to life by the light acidity of Pinot Noir.
26. Roast Beef
The bold, savory flavors of roast beef are balanced by the subtle sweetness of Pinot Noir.
27. Scallops
The delicate, sweet flavors of scallops are perfectly complemented by the light, fruity notes of Pinot Noir.
28. Smoked Salmon
The smoky flavor of smoked salmon is paired perfectly with the bright acidity of Pinot Noir.
29. Pasta with Tomato Sauce
The bright acidity of Pinot Noir is a perfect complement to the rich, savory flavors of tomato-based pasta sauces.
Wrap Up
Pinot Noir is an incredibly versatile red wine that pairs wonderfully with many different types of dishes, from poultry to shellfish.
Whether you’re looking for something classic like a cheese and charcuterie platter or something more adventurous like salmon cooked in buttery lemon sauce, there’s something here for everyone!
So next time you’re looking for a special meal to share with friends or family, why not give one of these delicious pairings a try? You won’t regret it!
