Why Look Beyond California Pinot
California Pinot Noir is popular for its red cherry and raspberry aromas, soft tannins, and bright acidity. Certain parts of California are perfect for growing Pinot Noir because of their cooler climate like Santa Maria.
Pinot Noir grapes can be finicky, which is why quality producers often focus on small batches and the prices can be higher. If you like California Pinot Noirs and want to branch out, there are plenty of other quality alternatives.
From Southern French Pinots and Beaujolais to Italian Etna Rosso and Bardolino to lighter Spanish Garnacha, we’ve selected a few wines to try to venture beyond the familiar California Pinot Noir.
Five Wines to Try Instead of A California Pinot Noir
Southern France Pinot Noir: Stick Closer to Home
We can appreciate when someone knows what they love and want to stick to it. If you don’t want to venture too far, try a Pinot from Southern France, especially from the Languedoc region. A great choice is Tramier Pinot Noir. This delightful Pinot is fruity and vibrant. it is an approachable alternative to the earthy Burgundian Pinot Noir that might not interest a Californian Pinot lover.
A Standout from Cork’s French Selection
As part of Cork’s French selection, Tramier Pinot Noir, can easily stand in when you are tempted to search for a good California pinot noir with some freshness. It delivers a similar light to medium body, clean red fruit, and food-friendly structure, often at a better price than many big-name Californian pinot noir options. The Tramier Pinot Noir isn't as earthy as the typical Burgundian Pinot Noir. However, if you are interested in expanding your palette, Cork has a very large Burgundy selection! You can explore more in our Burgundy Collection.
Gamay: A Bright Alternative
Red Berries and Floral Notes with a Silky Texture
If you appreciate Pinot Noir's red berry and floral notes, consider trying Gamay. This grape produces light to medium-bodied wines with vibrant fruit and acidity, similar to Pinot Noir. A solid choice at Cork is Mary Taylor Beaujolais Villages, known for its structure and flavor profile.
Enjoy Chilled or with Light Dishes
Pinot Noir and Gamay can be served slightly chilled, pairing well with dishes like roast chicken or grilled salmon. Its bright fruit and acidity make it versatile for lighter meals.
Etna Rosso from Sicily, Italy
Nerello Mascalese with earthy depth and red fruit
Etna Rosso has become a favourite for people who love Pinot Noir wine characteristics but want a little bit more edge. On the slopes of Mount Etna, the Nerello Mascalese grape produces pale, aromatic reds with bright acidity and volcanic minerality.
Pietradolce Etna Rosso is Cork’s gateway wine for Sicilian reds, made from Nerello Mascalese and known for lighter-coloured wines with red berries, roses, and a hint of spice that show beautifully with a slight chill.
A great choice for Pinot lovers wanting more structure
Etna Rosso keeps the freshness and perfume of pinot noir flavour yet adds firmer tannins so it works beautifully with thin-crust pizza, tomato-based pasta, or grilled vegetables and gives you just a bit more structure than your usual bottle.
Bardolino from Veneto, Italy
Valpolicella’s fruitier and lighter cousin
Bardolino is located in Veneto and it’s known for growing the same red grapes as Valpolicella (think Ripasso and Amarone). While Valpolicella wines might not be similar to Pinot Noir, the way the wine is made in Bardolino can have that same fruit forward, light and fresh appeal.
Gorgo Bardolino is a delicious light bodied red that we recommend you enjoy with a slight chill. It shows off notes of bright strawberries, cherries and a bit of pepper. There is also an underlying earthiness that is reminiscent of Pinot Noir. We love the price, at under $25, its a steal and overdelivers.
Light Spanish Garnacha
Juicy strawberry, soft spice, and gentle tannins
Grenache is another red that often appeals to Pinot fans. In a fresher style, it offers juicy strawberry and cherry fruit, soft spice, and gentle tannins that sit in the same weight class as many Californian Pinot Noir bottlings.
At Cork, Bodegas Canopy Ganadero Garnacha is a vivid ruby Grenache with raspberry and crushed blueberry aromas, lifted by dried herbs, and a juicy, silky palate with lively acidity and a clean, mineral-tinged finish. It is very light bodied and we would drink it with a chill.
A versatile pick for new and experienced wine drinkers
Whether you usually ask for a good pinot or pore over every set of pinot noir notes before buying, you will find that Grenache can slip into many of the same roles as pinot, from solo sipping to pairing with burgers, grilled vegetables, or charcuterie.
Visit Cork Fine Wine and Ale
Explore our curated wine, beer, and spirits selection
Whether you are loyal to the Pinot Noir grape or simply curious about new regions, Cork Fine Wine, Liquor & Ale is a welcoming place to explore.
You can drop by in person, explore our online wine selection, or contact us if you are looking for something specific, from a case of California Pinot to a mixed box of Gamay, Beaujolais, Etna Rosso, Grenache, and Tuscan blends.
Get expert recommendations in downtown Calgary
Instead of scrolling endlessly for Pinot Noir recommendations and trying to decode Pinot Noir wine characteristics online, you can walk into Cork, describe what you like about your favourite bottle, and get tailored suggestions. The team is happy to point you toward Gamay, Beaujolais, Etna Rosso, Grenache, or Tuscan blends that will fit the same occasions as your best California Pinot Noir.
