We all know red wine has numerous health benefits, but do you know each red wine grape varieties produces different flavor, texture, body and aroma? Well, it’s true. It’s up to you whether you want a strong or thin, clear or dark red wine. And to discuss that , let’s have a look at Cabernet Sauvignon vs Pinot Noir, two most famous red wines in the world. Although there are a lot of similarities between them, we will have a deeper look into a few major differences for you to understand.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is light bodied wine as light as it can be seen through. Its origin is Burgundy, France and the name Pinot Noir is derived from two French words “pine and black” because of its dark black color and its cone shaped look as pine. This particular grape variety only grows well in cold and dry climates, and hard to thrive in other climates.
Pinot Noir has very thin and soft skin which results in lighter and softer drink. It’s an easy drink with less tannin. And the lower phenolic content in this wine makes it most wanted. Phenolic is a harsh chemical that affects the taste, body and color of the wine. Most of the white wine drinkers prefer Pinot Noir if they want to try out red wine for the first time.
Pinot Noir wine reflects the tastes of currant, raspberry and black cherry and the texture is light to medium body. There are two different kinds available; one is traditional Burgundy red wine which grows in cold climate, light with fruitier farmyard aromas. Second one is the new trendy California wine which is full bodied and has hidden rich aromas with a very fruity taste. It grows for the whole year in California vineyards in mild temperature and full exposure to sun rays.
Some amazing combinations for Pinot Noir:
- Fish and Seafood
- Beef and Garlic Dishes
- Barbeque
- Cheese and Charcuterie
- Veggies
Cabernet Sauvignon
The word Sauvignon is derived from “savage”. Cabernet Sauvignon is very famous for its dark red color and it’s commonly used in major blends. The renowned tannin taste, aroma, intensity and texture of the wine are mostly dependent on the aging in oak barrels.
Cabernet Sauvignon was found in 1997 in the Bordeaux region, France. It was born out of blending Cabernet blanc (red grape) and Sauvignon blanc (white grape). Unlike Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon can adapt to different climates and is one among the major reasons for its availability and fame all over the world.
The thicker skin of the grapes produces intense aromas filled, full bodied wines with high tannins. The aroma differs based on its age, when its young – blueberry, blackberry and plum aromas take over. And when it’s mature – truffle, leather and tobacco aromas to vegetable notes, pepper and asparagus take over.
Some amazing combinations for Cabernet Sauvignon:
- Steaks
- Cheese
- Roast or grilled lamb
- Vegetarian dishes such as Portabella Mushroom
- Red meat entrée
Difference between Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon has been a healthy competition between the two of the world’s most famous wines. The former is a thin, lighter, elegant wine for which one needs a delicate palette to enjoy its soothing taste. Whereas the latter is a strong, bold wine that gives a punch with every sip. And the acidity level is lower in Pinot and higher in Cabernet for obvious reasons.
As there are many major differences, one of the top-most is the grape’s skin. Pinot Noir has thin, sensitive skin making it restraint to adapt to climate changes. That’s why it’s fairly growing in its original Burgundy and cold, dry climates only. Cabernet Sauvignon’s thick skin helps it easier to adapt to climates and grows in almost every part of the world.
Harvesting period of these grapes are different. Pinot Noir will be harvested first as it grows in cold climates and Cabernet Sauvignon will be harvested later and produce better wine in warmer seasons.
As already said, Pinot Noir is a light to medium bodied red wine and Cabernet is medium to full bodied red wine. While drinking wine, the final taste it leaves in our tongue has significance. If we analyze that, we can experience the flavors of strawberry, cherry and raspberry in Pinot Noir and currant, black cherry and plum in Cabernet.
Cabernet Sauvignon wine should be kept between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius for better preservation and Pinot needs to be kept at 14 degrees to maintain its fineness.
Conclusion
Cabernet Sauvignon versus Pinot Noir differences are only characteristics based. Nobody can conclude which tastes better. We live in an ideal world and we need to find our own ideal wine that suits our taste.
All these differences, analyzations are our little effort to make your wine hunting easier and fun. But remember the ultimate decision is in your hands!