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Over the past 10 years, Pinot Noir has grown tremendously in popularity. It has always been a go-to wine for sommeliers and drinkers alike due to its food-friendly nature, but the post-Sideways wine world has launched Pinot Noir to new heights. For Pinot Noir lovers who want to be a bit more adventurous, here are 10 wines that share some Pinot Noir characteristics and give you the opportunity to drink outside of the box.
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Written by Raoul Segarra, General Manager & Wine Director at North Square Restaurant
Raoul Segarra has been working with spirits for over 15 years. A seasoned sommelier, Segarra has worked at Keens, Judson Grill, and Jean-Georges, under the direction of great sommeliers-mentors who noticed and nurtured his talent. In 2004, he joined the Beanstalk Group (The Red Cat, The Mermaid Inn, The Harrison, Pace) as Wine and Beverage Director, where he put his creativity and love for finding a lesser-known region or wine at a great price to work. Raoul brings this philosophy to the wine list at North Square, which features over 110 wines from 15 countries, 65 priced at less than $50.
Zweigelt
Look for: Setzer, Paul Achs, Glatzer
The most widely planted red variety in Austria, Zweigelt tends to produce a lighter-bodied, peppery wine that is reminiscent of German Pinot Noir. But with careful work in the vineyard, these wines can be quite graceful and aromatic. Cinnamon, violets and fresh strawberry flavors are often found in Zweigelts.
Corvina
Look for: Allegrini’s “La Poja”, Marion, Corte Sant’Alda
Another alternative to the Napa Valley-style of Pinot Noir, Corvina is the foundation of the Valpolicella blend. However, when vinified as a single varietal Corvina, shows elegance and complexity that earns it a spot on the “other” Pinot Noir list. The wines are light to medium bodied with soft tannins, big cherry flavors, and a mildly nutty finish. Corvina does well when it’s aged in wood, which adds depth and structure.
Mayolet
Look for: Enfer d'Arvier, Franco Noussan, Feudo di San Maurizio
One of the few indigenous red grapes from the Northern Italian region of Vallee d’Aoste, Mayolets are generally medium-bodied with strawberry and blueberry flavors. These wines are like New World Pinot Noir with an edgier attitude.
Mencia
Look for: D. Ventura, Descendientes de J. Palacios, Monasterio de Corias
Found in the Spanish regions of Bierzo, Valdeorras, and Ribera Sacra, Mencia is starting to gain a well-earned following. This wine is ideal for the person who prefers a fuller California style of Pinot Noir. Mencia has a core of rich fruit with an earthy and smoky backbone.
Nielluccio
Look for: Patrimonios aren’t very common, but try wines from Yves Leccia and Maestracci
Sangiovese’s close cousin Nielluccio is found predominately on the isle of Corsica and has yet to gain the recognition that it deserves. Nielluccio based wines generally have biting acidity, tart fruit, and spicy undertones. While the Sangiovese comparison is undeniable, there are still a lot of Pinot Noir similarities.
Nerello Mascalese
Look for: Tenuta de le Terre Nerre, Calabretta, Romeo del Castello
This native Sicilian variety is the main grape in the increasingly popular Etna Rosso blend. However, by itself, Nerello manages to strike a middle ground between Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo. The wines are subtle, refined, and aromatic, with tart fruit flavors and soft tannins.
Trousseau
Look for: Puffeney, Arnot-Roberts, Lornet
This grape is native to France’s Jura region (which was once part of Burgundy). Trousseau displays a soft fruitiness with a pleasant tart bite on the finish. It also shares a similar palate, weight, and body to Pinot Noir and is naturally high in acidity, making it great for pairing with food.
Cabernet Franc
Look for: Chanteleuserie Bourgeuil, Raffault Chinon, Filliatreau Saumur
Look for Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, as the cooler climate helps produce wines unlike anywhere else in the world: lighter-bodied, highly aromatic and with soft tannins. Best of all, some of the lesser-known regions, like Bourgeuil, offer wonderful price to quality ratio.
Gamay Noir
Look for: Chignard Fleurie, Lapierre Morgon, Thivin Cote de Brouilly
The often-unappreciated Gamay Noir is the other red grape of Burgundy, but it shares more in common with Pinot Noir than an address. Quality Beaujolais Cru will have the same wild strawberry and cherry flavors often associated with young Pinot Noir.
Nebbiolo
Look for: Langhe Nebbiolo from Brezza, DeForville, Sottimano, Vietti
Nebbiolo is mostly found in Italy’s Piedmont region and shares so much in common with Pinot Noir: they both have a flavor profile of dried cherries, cranberries, mushrooms and spice, and both yield wines of great elegance and longevity. Nebbiolo, however, has much harsher tannins, so I recommend opting for one with a little more age on it.