Pinot Noir is one of the most famous red wines around the globe, but have you had the pleasure of coming across white Pinot Noir? Most wine drinkers have yet to try this unique variation of the traditional classic.
Before you ask, no, I’m not talking about Pinot Blanc. White Pinot Noir is its own distinctive French wine that deserves your attention, especially if you enjoy a glass of rosé.
I put together this guide to explore the origins of white Pinot Noir, explain its unique flavor, share some pairing tips, and finally offer a handful of fantastic examples you can add to your wine hitlist.
When we’re done, you’ll have all the information a wine enthusiast needs to feel confident in their knowledge of white Pinot Noir.
What Does White Pinot Noir Taste Like?
The tasting notes of white Pinot Noir include lemon, almond, orange, apple, and honey whereas red Pinot Noir tends to be familiarized with vanilla essence, cherry, and raspberry.
I personally consider the flavor of white Pinot Noir to be the most outstanding amongst white wines. It has a subtle citrus flavor and a simple fruity essence accompanied by hints of apples and pears.
The taste of red Pinot Wine changes according to the weather condition in which the grapes are grown. If the grapes are grown in warm weather they may contain a high level of alcohol content and will have a ripe taste. And if the grapes are grown in cool weather will have a crisp bitter flavor.
How is White Pinot Noir Made?
It’s easier to make white wine from red grapes than you think.
To make white Pinot Noir winemakers ferment the juice from peeled red grapes to make white wine. As long as there is minimum contact, or maceration, between the pre-fermented must and color-giving grape skins the outcome is a familiar pale drink.
Some wineries such as Left Coast Cellars and Anthony Nappa Wines ferment white Pinot Noir at cool temperatures in stainless steel, while others like Domain Serene use more traditional oak barrels.
White Pinot Noir fermented in oak can be described as sweet cream with layered warm apple flavors. White the same wine made in stainless steel tends to be crisper with a lighter body and slightly higher acidity.
Best White Pinot Noir Examples
Left Coast Cellars White Pinot Noir – This classic from Oregon keeps getting better with age. If you’re a fan of peach and apple flavors with bright acidity and hints of vanilla cream, then look no further. Enjoy a glass by itself or with some light appetizers.
J.K. Carriere Glass White Pinot Noir – A must-try for all wine enthusiasts. Add this to your hitlist today. Its berry flavors with earthy tones pair ideally with a warm meal. The J.K. Carriere Winery got it spot-on with this mix which was amongst the top 9% of the most popular wines in 2011.
Willamette Valley Vineyards White Pinot Noir – Unsurprisingly, this choice also comes from Oregon. It’s full of peach, melon, and apple flavors with a crisp citrusy tone. Often described as not too sweet and not too dry this Willamette Valley gem is similar to a buttery Chardonnay.
Coelho Estates White Pinot Noir – Here is a tart and refreshing white wine worth your consideration. It is full of strawberry and cherry flavors with the right amount of sweet to balance the barrel.
What Food Pairs with White Pinot Noir?
Here are some of the best food options to pair with this fantastic white wine.
Grilled Fish – Pinot Noir is likewise assorted enough in flavor that it functions admirably for fish. This is one of the best choices you can have with your drink. Grilled salmon will taste incredible with white Pinot Noir.
Pasta – The wine tastes great with mushroom risotto or creamy pasta dishes. Pesto pasta, normal pasta with greens, fresh tomatoes, lemon, and olive oil, or ravioli with tomato sauce can taste fantastic with a glass of white Pinot Noir.
Avocado Salad with Lemon – With the sweet flavor of white Pinot Noir, avocado salad with lemon will give you a commendable taste. I also recommend you try other salads like Greek or chicken Caesar.
Mushrooms – Consider any mushroom dish to pair with your wine. The mouth-watering combination of mushrooms and white Pinot Noir should not be looked over.
Pork Stir Fry – Pork stir-fries are a traditional partner to our new favorite wine. If you need another option besides a stir fry, classic pork chops are a fantastic option as well.
Turkey – On the evening of Thanksgiving Day, enjoy your favorite deep-roasted turkey with a glass of white Pinot Noir with sassy confidence. They go together like a match made in heaven.
Smoky Sausage – Don’t be shy and pour some of your white wine on your sausage as it’s grilling. Enjoy a glass beside it as a treat as well.
Is White Pinot Noir the Same as Pinot Blanc?
That’s a common question amongst wine drinkers trying white Pinot Noir for the first time.
White Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc are not the same. The difference is white Pinot Noir is derived from red grapes whereas Pinot Blanc is derived from white grapes.
The essence of white Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc is quite similar but the resulting flavors are distinguishable.
Where Did White Pinot Noir Originate?
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where white Pinot Noir first came to be as throughout history winemakers often made white wines from red grapes, specifically in areas that could only grow red grapes.
Vineyards from California, Italy, and France all have a great claim to the origins of this variant but unfortunately, we will never know.
Summary
That is everything a real wine enthusiast needs to know about white Pinot Noir. In case you’re wondering, “Pinot Noir” is French for Black grape. So, the translation of white Pinot Noir to English is a bit confusing.
Hopefully, this quick guide was enough to convince you to try this trendy wine. If you’re already on board and just came for a brush-up on the drink’s history, I hope you’re satisfied as well.
Feel free to let me know anything I missed or something I should add to make the article clearer.
You can get in contact with me via the comments section. Alternatively, you can send me a direct message through here or on our Facebook page.
Until next time, cheers.