Pinot Noir vs. Cabernet Sauvignon: What are the differences?

Pinot Noir vs. Cabernet Sauvignon: A Guide to Two Iconic Red Wines

Exploring Two Iconic Red Wines

Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are two of the most popular red wine varietals in the world. While both are beloved by wine enthusiasts, they offer distinctly different experiences in terms of flavor, body, and wine pairings. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual wine drinker, understanding their differences can enhance your appreciation and help you choose the right bottle for any occasion.

Origins and Growing Regions

Pinot Noir from Burgundy & the World

Pinot Noir originates from the Burgundy region of France and is known for its delicate, nuanced profile. It thrives in cooler climates, making regions like Oregon’s Willamette Valley, California’s Sonoma Coast, and New Zealand’s Central Otago prime locations for its cultivation.

Cabernet Sauvignon's roots in Bordeaux and the New World

Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the Bordeaux wine region in France, where it plays a dominant role in some of the world’s most prestigious wines. Unlike Pinot Noir, it prefers warmer climates, flourishing in regions such as Napa Valley, California, South Australia’s Coonawarra, and Chile’s Maipo Valley.

Environmental Factors and Terroir

Terroir Expression

Pinot Noir is considered highly expressive of its terroir, with significant variation between growing regions. The grape's thin skin makes it susceptible to environmental influences, resulting in distinctive regional characters—from the earthy mushroom notes of Burgundy to the brighter fruit profiles of New World regions.

Cabernet Sauvignon, while still influenced by terroir, tends to maintain its core characteristics across different regions. Its thicker skin provides more resistance to climate variations, though subtle differences emerge in the secondary flavor notes depending on soil composition and microclimate.

What do Pinot Noir & Cabernet Sauvignon taste like? Flavor Profiles & Characteristics

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is often described as light-bodied, elegant, and complex. It features bright red fruit flavors such as cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, complemented by earthy, floral, and sometimes smoky undertones. The tannins are typically soft, and the acidity is high, making it a refreshing and food-friendly choice.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is known for being bold, full-bodied, and structured. It boasts deep, dark fruit flavors like blackberry, cassis, and plum, often layered with notes of tobacco, cedar, and vanilla due to aging in oak barrels. High tannins and moderate acidity contribute to its robust character and aging potential.

Food and Wine Pairing with Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon

Best Foods to Pair with Pinot Noir wines:

Due to its light body and high acidity, Pinot Noir pairs well with dishes that aren’t too heavy or overpowering. Some excellent pairings include:

• Roast chicken

• Salmon and other fatty fish

• Mushroom-based dishes

• Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert

Best Foods to Pair with Cabernet Sauvignon wines:

Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold structure and tannins make it an excellent match for rich, hearty meals. Ideal pairings include:

• Grilled steaks and burgers

• Braised short ribs

• Aged cheeses like cheddar and gouda

• Dark chocolate desserts

Aging Potential of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir

One key difference between Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon is how well they age.

Pinot Noir is more delicate and generally best enjoyed within 5–10 years of bottling, though certain high-end Burgundies from illustrious producers, such as Domaine Faiveley, Olivier Leflaive, Joseph Drouhin and many others in our collection, can age for decades. Our Best Pinot Noir selection showcases some of the wine world's most coveted wines. Comprising wines from Burgundy, Oregon and California, discover them all now!

Cabernet Sauvignon has exceptional aging potential, often developing more complexity over 10–20+ years, making it a great choice for collectors. Discover our selectionof the Best Cabernet Sauvignon wines and peruse a selection of wines from California, Southern Australia and Tuscany!

Serving Temperature and Glassware

Optimal Serving for Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon

For the best tasting experience, serve Pinot Noir slightly chilled at 55-60°F (13-16°C) in a glass with a wider bowl that narrows at the rim to capture its delicate aromas.

Cabernet Sauvignon shows best at 60-65°F (16-18°C) and benefits from a taller, fuller bowl that allows space for the wine to breathe while directing its bold aromas toward the nose.

FAQ Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon: Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice between Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon depends on your personal preference and the occasion:

• If you enjoy lighter, more elegant wines with bright acidity and red fruit flavors, Pinot Noir is a fantastic option.

• If you prefer a bold, full-bodied wine with rich dark fruit flavors and firm tannins, Cabernet Sauvignon is the way to go.

• For food pairing: Pinot Noir works well with lighter dishes, while Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect for red meat and hearty meals.

Pinot Noir & Cabernet Sauvignon: Two Iconic Varieties

Both Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon offer unique and delightful wine experiences. Whether you’re sipping a silky, aromatic Pinot Noir or a powerful, structured Cabernet Sauvignon, there’s no wrong choice—just different styles to explore and enjoy. Next time you’re selecting a bottle, consider the occasion, food pairings, and your personal taste to make the perfect choice.

Ready to Experience the Best of Both Worlds?

Explore our curated selection of premium Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon to find your next favorite bottle! Are you also wondering what the differences are between Pinot Noir and Merlot? We have got you covered on our blog!