7 Good Alternatives To Pinot Noir

In the grand amphitheater of wines, Pinot Noir plays a leading role with its elegance and ability to express the terroir’s most intimate secrets. With its seductive aromas of red berries, earth, and sometimes a hint of forest floor or mushroom, Pinot Noir has captivated the hearts of wine lovers around the globe.

However, the world of wine is vast and filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. If you’re a fan of Pinot Noir’s elegant complexity, join me, on a journey to explore other varietals that share its finesse and depth.

1. Gamay – The Playful Sibling

If Pinot Noir is the sophisticated elder sibling, then Gamay is the youthful, more playful one. Primarily grown in Beaujolais, France, Gamay wines are vibrant and fruit-forward, with a soft texture and lower tannins. They often exhibit flavors of ripe red berries, cherries, and hints of earthiness, making them an excellent alternative for Pinot Noir enthusiasts.

2. Grenache – The Warm Embrace

Grenache (or Garnacha in Spain) offers a slightly bolder take on the red fruit flavors that Pinot Noir lovers cherish. With its origins in Spain and prominence in the southern Rhône blends, Grenache boasts flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and white pepper, complemented by soft tannins and a generous, warm finish. It’s like a comforting hug in a glass.

3. Nebbiolo – The Noble Heartthrob

Hailing from the foggy hills of Piedmont, Italy, Nebbiolo is a grape of noble stature, producing wines with a remarkable depth and complexity. With its delicate aromas of rose, cherry, and truffle, accompanied by robust tannins and high acidity, Nebbiolo offers a more structured yet equally seductive alternative to Pinot Noir.

4. Schiava – The Delicate Whisper

Lesser-known but equally enchanting, Schiava (primarily from Italy’s Alto Adige region) brings a lighter, more aromatic touch to the table. Its wines are characterized by low tannins, moderate acidity, and delicate flavors of red berries, almonds, and violets. It’s like a gentle whisper amidst the clamor of bolder wines.

5. Zweigelt – The Austrian Charm

Zweigelt, a cross between St. Laurent and Blaufränkisch, is Austria’s most planted red grape variety. It offers a harmonious balance of fruit and spice, with juicy cherry and blackberry flavors accented by a hint of pepper. The wine’s vibrant acidity and medium body make it an inviting alternative for Pinot Noir aficionados.

6. Cinsault – The Mediterranean Breeze

Cinsault, often found in blends from the Languedoc and Rhône regions of France and as a varietal wine in South Africa, has a lightness akin to Pinot Noir but with a distinctly Mediterranean twist. Expect soft, fragrant wines with flavors of red berries, plum, and a touch of herbaceousness, reminiscent of a gentle breeze on a warm summer evening.

7. Trousseau – The Exotic Dancer

Trousseau, mainly from France’s Jura region and also found in Portugal, is an exotic option with a spicy, floral bouquet. It offers a unique combination of elegance and vivacity, with light to medium body, high acidity, and nuanced flavors of red fruit, flowers, and sometimes a hint of funk.

Exploring these alternatives to Pinot Noir opens up a new dimension of wine appreciation. Each varietal, with its unique character and terroir expression, invites us to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding of what makes a wine truly captivating.