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The Art of Pinot: A journey to some of the best wine regions

by The Wine Authority Staff

Do you fondly remember opening a new box of perfectly sharpened crayons at the beginning of the school year? Some of us recall when colors like burnt sienna and orchid were exotic. Today kids (and adults) get to release their inner Picasso with hues labeled inchworm, outer space and jazzberry jam. If you’re the type that appreciates artistic expression in your wine, Pinot is your pal.

There’s a palette of Pinots and chances are you know at least one of them. Pinot Noir is a light- to medium-bodied red wine ripe with sophistication. If Pinot Noir were a painting, it would be a Renoir or Monet, elegant and timeless.

Pinot Grigio is a white wine made from mutated Pinot Noir grapes. Don’t worry, these mutants are nothing akin to three-eyed fish; they’re beauties that result in wines that are crisp and refreshing. Pinot Grigio is laid-back; it’s the unpretentious art you attach to your refrigerator with magnets. 

Pinots are a finicky lot. Preferring cooler regions, they only thrive in select areas of the world and demand to be coddled to protect their delicate nature. They’re also chameleons, taking on different characteristics depending on where they’re grown and the winemaking style.

Winemakers use the French term “terroir” to describe how a particular region’s climate, soil and terrain affect the taste of wine. To become BFFs with Pinot, try wines from different places. And if you want to impress your friends, toss “terroir” (pronounced tehr WAHr) into conversation.

What are some top Pinot Noir regions in the U.S.?

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Pinot Noir wears the pants in Oregon as the state’s most popular grape and the Willamette Valley is the epicenter of its goodness. Located about 30 miles southwest of Portland, this fertile area is nestled between two mountain ranges and produces wines with the flavors of black cherry and earthiness commonly associated with fine Pinot Noir.  Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Raptor Ridge Winery founder Scott Shull strives to create wines that are, according to his website, “interesting to the palate and to the mind – wines of complexity, finesse and place.” For their Barrel Select Pinot Noir, the winemaking team experiments with blends from more than 200 barrels hand-picked from the cellar. James Suckling scored 2014 Raptor Ridge Barrel Select Pinot Noir 94 points and wrote, “Love the strawberry and citrus undertones with hints of orange peel. Full-bodied yet refined and tight, leading to a fantastic finish. An exciting wine with layers and length.” Pick up a case of 12 for $28 a btl ($22 for Platinum members).

  • Left Coast Cellars’ wines are 100-percent estate grown, giving the winery complete control over sustainable planting practices and fruit quality. Its flagship 2015 Left Coast Cali’s Cuvée boasts aromatics of plum, blueberry, blackberry, white pepper and crushed dried herbs, along with earthy, spicy and toasty flavors. At $17 a bottle on a case purchase ($13 for Platinum members), this is a bargain.

  • If you’re the sort who likes to color outside the lines, 2016 Elouan Pinot Noir is the wine for you. Winemakers mingled fruit from three Oregon regions: Willamette Valley in the north, centrally located Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley in the south. The wine greets your nose with aromas of plum, jam and smokiness, then delivers with flavors of cherry, blackberry, boysenberry and smoked bacon.  Take this home for $19 a bottle on a case purchase ($15 for Platinum members).

Russian River Valley, California

Delicious Pinot Noirs also come from California, where the wines are juicy and lush.  One of the most notable regions is the Russian River Valley.  Located north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, this coastal area is known for its chilly, foggy mornings – just the sort of weather that makes Pinot Noir do a happy dance.

  • Ladera, which has been making mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignons in the Napa Valley for 20 years, expanded its portfolio a few years ago to include Pinot Noir. And we’re glad they did. Wine Enthusiast bestowed a 94-point score to 2015 Ladera Pinot Noir Pillow Road Vineyard, noting, “This is a finely made wine, with tones of herbs, smoked black cherry and blackberry. Thick, velvety smooth and concentrated, it finds its balance in high-toned, underlying acidity and sparks of cardamom and black tea.” Forbes contributor Brian Freedman described it as “a wine of character, depth, and memorable grace. It’s an excellent example of why Russian River Valley has earned the reputation it enjoys for world-class Pinot Noir, and why Ladera is as respected as it is.” We are offering this for less than other online retailers at $40 a bottle ($32 for Platinum members).
  • Founded by the partners of Napa Valley’s Far Niente, EnRoute is the culmination of their 30-year passion for Pinot Noir. 2015 EnRoute Les Pommiers Pinot Noir opens with notes of blackberry and cherry, complimented by sage and a touch of forest floor. Red-fruit flavors and silky tannins expand on the palate. Make it yours for $38 a bottle on a case purchase ($30 for Platinum members). 

Anderson Valley, California

Hanging out about 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean in Mendocino County, Anderson Valley is especially cool – as in the 56-degree average temperature, although we also think it’s pretty hip. Known for terrific sparkling wines and Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir is also finding its place in the spotlight.

  • Domaine Anderson was founded by Louis Roederer, which owns the valley’s two sparkling wine houses, Roederer Estate and Scharffenberger Cellars. Focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the winery adheres to organic and biodynamic farming. 2013 Domaine Anderson Pinot Noir Pinoli Vineyard opens with cherry, herb and floral aromatics. The cherry and herb notes are echoed on the palate, along with dried earth. Drink this for $72 for a magnum ($65 for Platinum members). 1 Magnum Left.

Santa Maria Valley, California

Lying primarily in northern Santa Barbara County, this windswept area benefits from a long growing season thanks to warm spring days and summers made cool by sea fog. People have been growing grapes here since the 1830s, although commercial vineyards didn’t kick off until the 1960s.

  • Belle Glos owner Joe Wagner is a fifth-generation winemaker from Napa Valley. He founded Belle Glos Wines in 2001 with a focus on vineyard-designated Pinot Noirs from California’s best coastal regions. 2016 Belle Glos Clark and Telephone Pinot Noir shows aromas of wild blackberry and raspberry jam with cedar and floral notes. This wine is juicy and generous on the palate with ripe cherry, strawberry, cranberry and just-baked gingerbread. We’re able to offer it for $44 a bottle ($30 for Platinum members).

Other California Areas

Other Pinot Noirs we recommend:

What foods pair with Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir and cuisine go hand-in-hand like Michelangelo and a paintbrush. And if there’s one food Pinot Noir loves more than any other it’s mushrooms; their flavor is the perfect complement to Pinot Noir’s earthy notes. Pinot Noirs also are a great match for chicken, turkey, duck, pork, salmon and tuna. For cheese pairings, look to Gruyère, Brie, Swiss and, if you can find it, Taleggio.

Pinot Grigio: Italy’s popular white wine

Friuli-Venezia Guilia, Italy

Prefer white wine? Start your exploration across the ocean in northeastern Italy, home to some of the best white wines in the world. Friuli, located in the northeastern corner near Austria and Slovenia, is Pinot Grigio paradise. Grapes are grown on steep, terraced hillsides and enjoy warm days and cold nights.

  • 2017 Scarpetto Pinot Grigio Fruli blends grapes from two sites to create a crisp, clean wine with bright acidity and minerality. Aromas and flavors of stone fruits and melon delight the nose and palate. Make it yours for $16 ($12 for Platinum members).
  • 2017 Santa Giulia Pinot Grigio Friuli is crafted from fruit handpicked from hillside estates vineyards. This fuller-bodied wine has bright aromas of white peach, pear and spring flowers, and flavors of peach, apricot and pear with a crisp mineral finish. Buy it for $18 ($14 for Platinum members). 

What foods pair with Pinot Grigio? 

When it comes to food pairing, Pinot Grigio is like finger painting: You really can’t mess up.  Lighter styles from Italy go beautifully with pasta, risotto, chicken, turkey, halibut, shrimp and scallops. Complement citrus notes with pesto, asparagus and salads. For an appetizer, serve Pinot Grigio with fresh mozzarella or chevre and Italian bread.

The colors of happiness

The last couple of years have seen the emergence of a new adult coloring craze. Grownups are taking up the activity as a joyful escape. There are coloring books on every subject, including intricate designs for wine lovers.

Whether you consider yourself an artist, there are two timeless colors we suggest acquainting yourself with – red and white. Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio, that is. Actually, “noir” means black and “grigio” means gray, but who’s keeping score? Whichever wine region you explore first, we trust these wines will transport you to a happy place.  

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