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Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine enthusiasts always debate the best red wine for any situation. Some people swear by Pinot Noir, others prefer Cabernet Sauvignon. To answer this question once and for all, you should understand both types and the unique characteristics that make them special.
Today we’ll compare Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon in terms of their production process, grape characteristics, food pairing options, prices, etc. Let’s dive into a comparison between these two popular red wines!
What Is Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir is a red wine made from the thin-skinned black grape variety known as Pinot Noir. It’s a dry, light to medium-bodied wine with complex aromas and flavors of berries, cherries, mushrooms, earthiness, and spice. Many regions worldwide produce Pinot Noir wines with subtle flavour differences due to climate and soil variations.
The Burgundy region of France is the most well-known source of Pinot Noir. Still, it is also grown in other parts of Europe, as well as in California, Oregon, Australia, New Zealand and South America. Pinot Noir wines are typically served slightly chilled and best enjoyed young to appreciate their delicate structure and aromas.
They can be paired with various foods, including poultry, pork and game dishes. Pinot Noir is also used in sparkling wines like Champagne and many rosé wines. The grape’s thin skins can make it susceptible to damage from pests and disease, so it requires careful tending in the vineyard.
What Is Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a type of red wine from the Bordeaux region of France.
Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are one of the most widely planted and consumed varieties in the world, and their characteristics make them an extremely popular choice for those seeking a full-bodied yet balanced red wine. It was first produced in the late 18th century, and its popularity has grown.
Cabernet Sauvignon wines are typically medium to full-bodied with aromas of dark fruits, earthy notes, and sometimes a hint of spice or mint. They offer blackcurrant flavors, cedarwood, tobacco, and sometimes chocolate on the palate.
They possess good structure and generally have high levels of acidity, tannins, and alcohol. Cabernet Sauvignon wines are usually aged in oak barrels for several years before being released, adding complexity to their flavor profile.
Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Grape Characteristics
Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are the world’s most popular red wines. When comparing Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon, grape characteristics are the first factor to consider. While they share many similarities, some key differences in their grape characteristics will help you distinguish between them.
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied, tart red wine with delicate aromas of red fruit and earthy notes. The grape used to make Pinot Noir typically has thin skins and low tannins, resulting in a softer, more subtle flavor than Cabernet Sauvignon. Its flavors are often described as being “cherry-like” with hints of earth and spice.
Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, is a full-bodied red wine with big tannins and intense flavors of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco. The grape used to make Cabernet Sauvignon typically has thick skins and high tannins, resulting in a bolder, more intense flavor than Pinot Noir. Its flavors are often described as “cassis-like” with hints of oak and herbs.
Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Wine-Making Process
When it comes to crafting a delicious Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, the winemaking process is of paramount importance. Both grapes start with similar growing and harvesting techniques; however, their paths diverge once they are crushed and fermented.
Pinot Noir is one of the most difficult grape varieties to turn into a quality wine due to its thin skin and tendency to mold easily.
As such, the winemaking process for Pinot Noir requires greater attention to detail from the vintner, with special care taken when cooling down fermentation temperatures. The yeast used is also carefully chosen as certain strains can impart bitter flavors if not managed properly.
On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon is much heartier and more robust in flavor. Therefore, it requires a more assertive winemaking process that allows for oak aging and longer fermentation time.
To bring out its bold tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon can go through extended maceration periods with temperature control during fermentation to ensure balanced flavors. Additionally, the vintner may blend Cabernet Sauvignon with other varieties to round out its intense flavor profile.
Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Alcohol Content
When comparing Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, there is a difference in their alcohol content. While both wines are typically considered medium-bodied red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon generally has a higher alcohol content than Pinot Noir. On average, Pinot Noir will have an ABV of 12%-13%, while Cabernet Sauvignon will have an ABV of 13%-14.5%.
The higher alcohol content of Cabernet Sauvignon can contribute to a more full-bodied flavor profile than Pinot Noir. This difference in taste is because Cabernet Sauvignon has thicker skins and contains more tannins, which can lead to a strong, dry finish.
On the other hand, Pinot Noir grapes tend to have thinner skins and contain fewer tannins, making for a lighter, fruitier flavor profile.
The difference in alcohol content when comparing Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon can also affect their overall characteristics. For example, wines with higher alcohol content generally have a more intense flavor and a fuller body.
Wines with a lower alcohol content will typically be lighter in the body and have a softer finish. Additionally, wines with higher alcohol content may age better than those with less alcohol.
Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Tasting Notes
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied, delicately flavored red wine that typically features aromas of cherry, strawberry and earthy undertones. Its light body makes Pinot Noir an excellent match for lighter dishes such as salmon or roasted poultry. Pinot Noirs have a beautiful balance of fruit flavors with hints of smoke and spice when well-made.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied, robust red wine with intense dark fruit, cassis, and oak aromas. Its tannins are more prominent than those in Pinot Noir, making it an ideal match for steak or heartier dishes.
Well-made Cabernets should have a complex flavor profile featuring pronounced notes of pepper, clove, and graphite. With age, the tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon can soften while the flavors of blackberry and cedar will emerge.
Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Sweetness
Regarding sweetness, both Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are generally considered dry wines. However, the amount of residual sugar in each wine can vary widely depending on factors such as climate, soil type, winemaking technique and region where the grapes were grown.
Generally speaking, Cabernet Sauvignon tends to have more residual sugar than Pinot Noir due to its thicker skins and higher tannin levels. As a result, Cabernet Sauvignon may taste slightly sweeter than Pinot Noir from the same region.
However, this is only sometimes the case and will depend greatly on the particular winemaking style of the producer.
Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Food Pairings
Pinot Noir pairs well with lighter meats such as pork, chicken, and fish. The delicate flavors of the wine can be enhanced by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dish. Pinot Noir also goes great with mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables. Be sure not to pair it with overly strong spices, as they will overpower the flavor of the wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, pairs well with bolder flavors such as red meats or strong cheeses. The full body of the wine can stand up to bold spices like cumin and paprika, so dishes like curries or chili are great options for this type of wine. Cabernet Sauvignon also pairs well with flavorful vegetables such as eggplant and bell peppers.
Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed independently, but the right food pairing can bring out the best in each of them. The key is to balance flavors so that neither one overpowers the other.
Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Price
When it comes to price, Cabernet Sauvignon is usually more expensive than Pinot Noir. This is because Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grow in warmer climates and require more labor and resources to produce a bottle of wine. The higher cost of making this type of wine accounts for its premium pricing.
On the other hand, Pinot Noir grapes are more tolerant to cooler temperatures and do not require as much labor or resources to produce. Therefore, Pinot Noir is usually the more affordable option of the two regarding price.
However, this does not mean that all varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon will be more expensive than all varieties of Pinot Noir; some less-known producers may offer lower-priced Pinot Noir that is more affordable than their Cabernet Sauvignon counterparts.
Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Serving
Regarding the serving temperature of Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon, both should be served slightly cooler than room temperature—ideally between 50-60°F.
However, most wines are best when they can open and warm in the glass before tasting. So, for an optimal tasting experience, it’s best to start with a slightly cooler temperature and let the wine warm up a bit in your glass.
Regarding glasses, Pinot Noir is best served in either Burgundy-style or Pinot Noir-specific stemware. These glasses will help capture the aromatics of this delicate wine variety by funneling them toward your nose through their tapered shape.
On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon is best served in taller glasses that help emphasize the tannins and body of the wine. Many recommend Bordeaux-style or Cabernet-specific stemware for these red wines.
Finally, both Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon benefit from decanting to aerate and open up the aromas of these wines. Decanting can also help remove sediment that may have been collected in your bottle.
Which Should You Choose, Pinot Noir Or Cabernet Sauvignon?
Choosing between Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon largely comes down to personal preference. Pinot Noir may be your best bet if you’re looking for something light-bodied and fruit-forward.
However, if you prefer full-bodied wines with bold tannins and complex flavors, Cabernet Sauvignon may be the right choice. Ultimately, these wines have unique characteristics and can be enjoyed on any occasion.
FAQs
Is Pinot Noir Or Cabernet Sauvignon Sweeter?
The short answer is that neither Pinot Noir nor Cabernet Sauvignon is necessarily sweeter than the other. The sweetness of red wine depends on the winemaking process, including how much sugar was added to the wine before fermentation and how long it was aged.
Does Pinot Noir Or Cabernet Sauvignon Have A Higher Alcohol Content?
Generally speaking, Cabernet Sauvignon has a higher ABV (alcohol by volume) than Pinot Noir. The typical ABV for Cabernet Sauvignon ranges from 13-15%, while the typical ABV for Pinot Noir is usually between 12-14%.
However, there are exceptions to this rule, and some producers may produce wines with lower or higher alcohol levels than what is typically expected.
Is Cabernet Sauvignon Considered A Sweet Or Dry Wine?
Cabernet Sauvignon is generally considered to be a dry red wine. Depending on the winemaker’s style and preference, it can range from slightly sweet to completely dry. Some sweeter styles of Cabernet Sauvignon feature more fruit-forward notes and can even sometimes have a hint of residual sugar.
Is Pinot Noir Considered A Sweet Or Dry Wine?
Pinot Noir is typically a dry red wine. The flavor profile of Pinot Noir can vary depending on the region and winemaker, but generally, it has aromas of cherry, raspberry, and herbs with earthy and spicy notes. While some Pinot Noirs may have a hint of sweetness from their fruit flavors, they will always be considered dry wine.
Is Cabernet Sauvignon Recommended For Beginners?
Yes, Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice for beginners. It’s a full-bodied red wine with robust flavors like blackberry, cherry, cassis, tobacco and spice. Its tannins are well balanced, giving it an elegant structure and a supple texture that make it easy to drink.
Does Cabernet Sauvignon Have A Darker Color Than Pinot Noir?
Yes, Cabernet Sauvignon typically has a deeper, darker color than Pinot Noir. The tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon create a more intense hue that ranges from deep purplish-red to black cherry. Conversely, Pinot Noir is usually lighter and crimson with copper undertones.
Conclusion
Now you should know Pinot Noir Vs Cabernet Sauvignon. Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are popular red wines with unique flavor profiles.
Pinot Noirs are light-bodied, delicately flavored wines best enjoyed when served slightly cool and with lighter dishes such as salmon or poultry. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and robust in comparison, with tannic qualities that make it a perfect match for bolder dishes like steak.
The amount of residual sugar in each wine can vary widely depending on the climate and soil type, but both are usually considered dry. When it comes to price, Cabernet Sauvignon may be more expensive than Pinot Noir due to its higher production costs.
Choosing between these two wines largely depends on personal preference and the occasion. Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed on their own or with foods that will bring out their best.
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabernet_Sauvignon
https://www.wikihow.com/Serve-Cabernet-Sauvignon
