Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Explore the differences between Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, two of the world's most popular red wine grape varieties. Learn about their unique characteristics, flavor profiles, and the best food pairings for each wine.
When it comes to red wines, two names often stand out: Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines are adored by wine lovers across the globe for their distinct characteristics and flavors. Pinot Noir is celebrated for its light and fruity nature, while Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold wine with a savory profile. But what truly sets these wines apart? Let's dive into the world of these two remarkable red wines.
Pinot Noir is a renowned French variety that originated in the Burgundy wine region. This popular red wine is often described as delicate and complex, with a light body and fruity flavors. However, Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to grow due to its thin skin and tight clusters, which make it susceptible to various diseases. Despite these challenges, Pinot Noir has earned the nickname "heartbreak grape" and remains one of the world's most sought-after and expensive wines. This versatile red grape can even produce sparkling and white wines, making it a fascinating choice for wine enthusiasts and newbies alike.
On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon holds the title of the most popular wine in the world. Often referred to simply as Cab or Cab Sav, this robust wine originated in the Bordeaux wine region of France. It is a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, not a hybrid, which adds to its unique allure. The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is hardy and can thrive in a wide range of climates, contributing to its widespread popularity and availability.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Wine
- Primary Flavors Found in Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon - Wine Characteristics
- Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Serving Tips
- Where are Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes Grown?
- Best Food Pairing with Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Other Great Food Pairings with Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Why Choose One Over The Other?
- More Great Wine Pairings and Wine Articles
- FAQ's
Why You Will Love This Wine
Pinot Noir
- Most wine drinkers, whether they are novices or connoisseurs, absolutely love Pinot Noir.
- This red wine has a delicate palette and is light enough to enjoy even in the summertime.
- It pairs very well with most fish dishes, but can also hold its own to richer meat dishes like duck.
- Younger wines are less complex with prominent red fruit notes.
- High-quality Pinot Noir, especially from the cooler climates of New Zealand or France, is elegant and complex, and ages beautifully, developing earthy and mineral notes over time.
- The price ranges between $25 and $1000+ per bottle.
- If you are stuck and unsure which wine to serve, you can usually get away with serving a Pinot Noir wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Sauvignon is sumptuous and fruity, with a savory and smoky profile depending on the different regions and winemaker.
- It has robust flavors and a high tannin content which make it one of the more complex and layered wines.
- This elegant wine is known for good quality, with affordable options starting around $20.
Primary Flavors Found in Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
- Classically, Pinot Noir offers bright red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, plum, currant, and pomegranate flavors.
- In warmer climates, it develops black cherry notes with chalk, mushroom, and earth as secondary flavors.
- Pinot Noir grapes, grown in the cooler climates of France and New Zealand, have fruity flavors acquired from bright red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, plum, currant, and pomegranate.
- They might also display slight floral notes of rose and violet.
- Different regions produce distinctive flavor profiles; the listed flavors are general but will vary by location.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- In general, Cabernet Sauvignon has black cherry, black currant, cedar, baking spices, black pepper, and graphite flavors.
- More specific flavor profiles include:
Old world wines display herbal and floral notes with graphite, violets, tobacco, black cherries, and licorice.
New world wines have prominent black cherry, licorice, black pepper, and vanilla flavors.
Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon - Wine Characteristics
Pinot Noir
- Profile: Pinot Noir is a medium dry wine.
- Body: It is a light to medium bodied red wine.
- Tannins: Pinot Noir has medium tannins.
- Acidity: It has high acidity especially in cooler regions.
- Alcohol: The alcohol content ranges from 13.5% to 14.5%.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Profile: Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry wine.
- Body: It is a medium to full-bodied red wine.
- Tannins: Cabernet sauvignon has high tannins.
- Acidity: It has medium to high acidity.
- Alcohol: The alcohol content ranges from 13.5% to 15%, making it one of the high alcohol wines.
Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Serving Tips
Pinot Noir
- Temperature: Serve at 60°F / 16°C.
- Decanting: Don't decant (controversial subject, decanting might help open its complexities).
- Glass type: Aroma catcher.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- Temperature: Serve at 60 – 68°F / 15 – 20°C.
- Decanting: Decant for 60+ minutes.
- Glass type: Oversized glass
Where are Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes Grown?
Pinot Noir
- France: In France Pinot Noir is produced in the Burgundy region.
- Germany: Pinot Noir from Germany is primarily grown in the Ahr region.
- United States: In the United States Pinot Noir is cultivated in California.
- New Zealand: Pinot Noir is also grown in the Central Otago region in New Zealand.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- France: Cabernet Sauvignon from France is primarily grown in the Bordeaux region.
- Chile: In Chile Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in the Maipo Valley.
- United States: In the United States Cabernet sauvignon is cultivated in the Napa Valley and Sonoma region.
- Australia: Cabernet Sauvignon is extensively grown in the Coonawarra region in South Australia.
Best Food Pairing with Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
- Duck served with Pinot Noir is a classic food pairing.
- Pairing this popular wine with Gruyère de Comte, which is produced in the same area as the Pinot Noir grapes are grown, is a great choice.
- The flavor profile of Pinot Noir lends itself to being paired with Lightly Spiced Thai Food.
- Avoid serving Richly Flavored Food with this light red wine as it will overpower its delicacy.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- A go-to pairing choice for Cabernet Sauvignon is food that is both High in Flavor and in Fat.
- This wine is the perfect partner for Rich Grilled Meats, Peppery Sauces, and other dishes with High Flavor.
- Avoid pairing with Sweet Chocolate as it will make the wine taste bitter.
Other Great Food Pairings with Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
- Next time you have a dinner party, why not serve Grilled Trout. Pinot Noir is an excellent accompaniment.
- Pinot Noir is a great choice to pair with Aged Cheddar Cheese and freshly baked bread. If you add a little Thyme, it will make it even better.
- Grilled Polenta with Charred Vegetables, Mushrooms, and Burrata is a delicious vegetarian option that highlights the fruity flavors in Pinot Noir.
- With its smooth tannins, Pinot Noir is a great wine to pair with Crayfish Tagliatelle.
- Try French Onion Soup with a glass of Pinot Noir. You will not be disappointed.
Cabernet Sauvignon
- his red wine with its robust structure can be enjoyed with red meat like Roast Beef, Roast Lamb, Oxtail Stew, Seared Rib-eye Steak and even the humble Burger.
- Cab Sav is a particular favorite with Grilled Pork and Roasted Duck. The high tannins in the wine cut through the fattiness of the meat and enhance the flavors.
- Other great pairings include Mushroom Ragu, and Baked Camembert Cheese.
- You can even serve Cabernet Sauvignon with Spice Rubbed Salmon.
- The bold flavors in Cabernet Sauvignon are perfect with equally bold cheeses such as Gruyere, Aged Cheddar and Parmesan.
Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Why Choose One Over The Other?
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is perfect for wine lovers, it's an any-occasion wine. It is ideal for summer sipping and pairs with almost any fish, some meats, and cheeses. This wine is known for its versatility, Pinot Noir can complement a wide range of dishes. As one of the most popular red wines, Pinot Noir will be a fabulous gift for wine drinkers everywhere.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red wine globally, known for its exceptional quality. Great value options can be found from Chile and Australia. Don't be deterred by screw caps; great Australian cabs are bottled under screwtop. It is known for its rich tannins and complex flavors, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. Cabs are perfect for pairing with rich meats and flavorful dishes, enhancing the dining experience. Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its bold, complex profile, making it a favorite among seasoned wine connoisseurs.
More Great Wine Pairings and Wine Articles
- Easy Lamb Koftas Recipe (+ What to Serve with Koftas)
- Baked Caprese Chicken (+ Best Side Dishes)
- Easy Orzo Recipe with Garlic, Parmesan, and Herbs
- Mediterranean Bulgur Salad with Chickpeas and Herbs
FAQ's
Pinot Noir
A : Pinot Noir are the French words for "black pine", referring to the grape's dark color and pine cone-shaped clusters.
A : Look for Pinot Noir from reputable regions like Oregon's Willamette Valley. California's Russian River Valley Pinot Noir also offers good quality at a reasonable price.
A : Yes, you can cellar age Pinot Noir, especially those with higher acidity and tannin, which can develop complex flavors over time.
A : Cooler climate Pinot Noir wines are more acidic with red fruit flavors, while warmer climate ones have richer, dark fruit flavors like black cherry.
A : Yes, Pinot Noir grapes are one of the primary varieties used in Champagne production, contributing to the wine's structure and flavor.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A : Cabernet Sauvignon is pronounced "ka-ber-NAY so-veen-YAWN.
A : A cross is a grape variety resulting from the breeding of two species within the same genus, while a hybrid is a grape resulting from the breeding of two different species.
A : Yes, Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with other grapes, but it must contain a certain percentage (usually 75% or more) to be labeled as Cabernet Sauvignon.
A : Cabernet Sauvignon wines are known for their high tannins, full body, and flavors of black cherry, black currant, and cedar, often with a rich, complex profile.
A : Look for Cabernet Sauvignon from renowned regions like Napa Valley or Bordeaux for consistent quality, and consider the producer's reputation for crafting exceptional wines.
Choosing between Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon can be tough, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the occasion. Pinot Noir is low to medium-bodied with low tannins and higher acidity levels, making it a versatile wine that pairs well with both vegetable and meat dishes. However, it is difficult to grow and has a shorter shelf life of 4-5 years.
On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon offers excellent aging potential (10-20 years), a full-bodied wine, with rich flavors and lower acidity levels. While some Californian Cabernets can be high-priced and don't pair well with lighter dishes, they are a great choice for those who prefer bolder wines with powerful tannins and dark fruit notes.
For wine lovers who enjoy a dry wine with delicate red fruit flavors, a bottle of Pinot Noir is an excellent choice. If you favor a bold wine with a robust profile, Cabernet Sauvignon is the way to go. Explore both wines and discover your favorite—each offers a unique and delightful experience.
Cheers to your next wine adventure!
Leave a Reply