Wine 101 – Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a red wine grape variety that is believed to have originated in the Burgundy region of France. It is now widely grown in many other wine-producing regions around the world, including California, Oregon, New Zealand, and Australia.

Pinot Noir is known for its delicate and complex characteristics, with flavors of red fruits like cherry and strawberry, as well as earthy and sometimes mushroom-like notes. The grape is also known for its thin skin and susceptibility to disease, which can make it a challenging grape to grow and produce high-quality wine from.

Food pairing suggestions for Pinot Noir include dishes that are not too heavy or overpowering, as the wine’s delicate flavors can be easily overwhelmed. Examples include roasted poultry, grilled salmon, and mushroom-based dishes. Pinot Noir can also pair well with cheeses like Brie and Camembert, as well as charcuterie and pâté.

Pinot Noir is often considered a “foodie” wine due to its versatility in terms of pairing with a variety of different dishes. Its light to medium body and bright acidity make it a good match for many cuisines, including French, Italian, and Japanese.

Wine 101 – Sauvignon Blanc

 

Sauvignon Blanc is a white grape variety that is believed to have originated in the Bordeaux region of France. The grape has since spread to many other wine-producing regions around the world, including New Zealand, California, and South Africa.

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its bright and zesty characteristics, with flavors of green apple, grapefruit, and sometimes tropical fruits like passionfruit. It is also known for its herbaceous and sometimes grassy notes, which can give the wine a unique and refreshing quality.

Food pairing suggestions for Sauvignon Blanc include seafood such as oysters, shrimp, and sushi, as well as salads and light vegetarian dishes. The wine’s bright acidity and citrus notes can help to balance the flavors of these dishes, while its herbaceous qualities can complement their freshness.

Sauvignon Blanc is also known for its versatility in terms of pairing with different cuisines, as it can pair well with everything from Thai and Vietnamese dishes to Mediterranean and South American flavors.