Pinot Noir is one of the most popular and beloved wine varieties in the United States, with a rich history and diverse range of styles. It is a versatile grape that can produce wines with a wide range of flavors, from light and fruity to complex and earthy. While Pinot Noir is grown all over the world, many American wine drinkers prefer wines made from grapes grown in California, Oregon, and Washington State. In this article, we will explore the Pinot Noir wines that are most popular among American wine drinkers.
California Pinot Noir
California is one of the largest wine-producing states in the US and is known for its bold, fruit-forward wines. Many of the top-rated Pinot Noir wines in California come from the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Santa Rita Hills AVAs. These regions are known for their cool climate, which is ideal for growing Pinot Noir grapes. Some of the most popular California Pinot Noir wines include:
Kosta Browne – Kosta Browne is a highly sought-after winery located in the Russian River Valley. Their Pinot Noir wines are known for their rich, bold flavors of black cherry and blackberry, as well as their smooth, velvety texture.
Williams Selyem – Williams Selyem is another top-rated Pinot Noir producer located in the Russian River Valley. Their wines are known for their complex flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth, as well as their firm tannins and long, smooth finish.
Au Bon Climat – Au Bon Climat is a winery located in Santa Barbara County that produces a range of high-quality Pinot Noir wines. Their wines are known for their bright, fruit-forward flavors and elegant, balanced structure.
Oregon Pinot Noir
Oregon is another popular region for Pinot Noir production in the US, with a cooler climate that is similar to the Burgundy region of France. The Willamette Valley is the most famous Pinot Noir region in Oregon, producing wines with a unique combination of bright fruit flavors and earthy, herbal notes. Some of the most popular Oregon Pinot Noir wines include:
Domaine Drouhin – Domaine Drouhin is a winery located in the Willamette Valley that produces a range of Pinot Noir wines. Their wines are known for their complex flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth, as well as their silky texture and long, smooth finish.
Ken Wright Cellars – Ken Wright Cellars is a small, family-owned winery located in the Willamette Valley. Their Pinot Noir wines are known for their bright, fruity flavors and firm tannins, as well as their elegant, balanced structure.
Adelsheim Vineyard – Adelsheim Vineyard is a winery located in the Chehalem Mountains AVA of the Willamette Valley. Their Pinot Noir wines are known for their complex flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth, as well as their smooth, velvety texture.
Washington State Pinot Noir
While Washington State is best known for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines, there are some excellent Pinot Noir wines being produced in the state as well. The best Pinot Noir grapes in Washington are grown in the cooler climate of the Yakima Valley and the Walla Walla Valley. Some of the most popular Washington State Pinot Noir wines include:
Woodward Canyon – Woodward Canyon is a winery located in the Walla Walla Valley that produces a range of high-quality wines, including a Pinot Noir. Their Pinot Noir wines are known for their complex flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earth, as well as their firm tannins and long, smooth finish.
