#pinot-noir

#pinot-noir

Oregon's dining scene in its renowned pinot noir region has evolved significantly, featuring diverse dining options that enhance the wine-tasting experience with fresh, local cuisine.

The reviewer found a jammy, stewed fruit flavor in the Aldi pinot noir that fails to deliver the elegance typically expected from this varietal.

"There is no question that the movie changed the fortunes of the Santa Ynez Valley and pinot noir more broadly," says Rex Pickett, the novelist and filmmaker best known for his novel Sideways, adapted into the hit 2004 film of the same name. "Before the release of the movie, pinot noir was 1% of the red wine market, and now it's at least 10% to 13%. Merlot was 25%, and now it's basically a blending variety. And the towns themselves, especially Solvang, which was just kitschy garbage in the '90s, now have dozens of tasting rooms and Michelin-starred restaurants."

Pinot noir from Willamette Valley, Oregon pairs well with salmon because its acidity complements the fish's fat, enhancing a rich texture and flavor.