McMinnville Oregon Wine Tasting and 10 Pinot Noir Pairings

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Are you planning to wine taste in the Willamette Valley region? Or are you simply wanting to explore some Pinot Noir pairings? Maybe both? If so, you’re in the right place!

I had the honor of being invited to the recent opening of the Renelle Block Pinot Noir wines at Coeur de Terre Vineyard and I’m delighted to share that experience with you!

After delving into the history of the wine and composition of the soil, we were able to taste a selection of the Renelle Block vintages and I couldn’t wait to pair some of my favorite recipes with these expressive wines.

Wine Tasting in Willamette Valley Region

Located just south of Portland, Oregon is one of the most expansive and stunning wine regions in the United States. More than 700 wineries call this region home and these make up about two-thirds of the state’s total wineries. Six AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) comprise the greater Willamette Valley AVA.

The McMinnville AVA is roughly an hour outside Portland on the way to the coast and makes for a wonderful opportunity to try some of Oregon’s best wines. One of my personal favorite stops is Coeur de Terre. This artisanal, organically farmed vineyard offers the perfect setting for an afternoon of sipping on handcrafted wines.

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Coeur de terre Pinot Noir Tasting

One of the things I enjoy most about wine tasting is the chance to really appreciate the different notes of the wine. Tasting a selection of the same block of wines from different years offered just that opportunity!

The Renelle block is the oldest block planted at Coeur de Terre, originally planted in 1999. Renelle is made up of sedimentary soils and the “wines from this block exhibit a powerful expression with notes of blueberry and spice.” Due to the warm days and cool nights, the wines develop dark fruit flavors with bright acidity and earthy notes.

We were able to try vintages from 2019, 2012, 2007 and 2002 which allowed us to see how different weather changed the harvest each year. 2019 had moderately warm weather that lead to a wine with early vibrancy and energy. 2012 was a warm growing season producing a classic vintage which had aged beautifully. 2007 brought the more traditional cool climate typical of Oregon creating a lighter, elegant wine. 2002 brought a wonderful growing season and their first harvest was a balanced and fruity wine!

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If you are in the McMinnville area I highly recommend making time for a stop. You will likely be greeted by their sweet pup and they have a beautiful porch where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. And if you end up taking some Pinot Noir home consider making the following recipes to serve it with!

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10 Pinot Noir Food Pairings

If you happen into Oregon wine country you’ll likely come across a pinot noir or ten! The cool climate is perfect for this versatile grape and you will see many different expressions as you taste.

Pinot Noir also happens to be a one of easiest wines to pair with food. They may be lighter than many red wines, but they are still full of earth and spice notes with soft tannins and a lovely finish.

The following are some of my favorite food pairings for the various styles of Pinot Noir wines you may come across.

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1. Easy Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies with Lemon and Herbs

 

Choose a Pinot Noir from a cooler year with bright berry notes and a bit of spiciness. The bright acidity of the wine will help cut through the rich fat in the roasted chicken skin while elevating the herbal flavors.

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2. Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes with Pistachios

 

The acidity in Pinot Noir will pair well with these roasted tomatoes. Choose one with earthy notes to help bring out the cheese and pistachios!

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3. Mushroom Dip Stuffed Artichokes

 

Artichokes are notoriously difficult to pair with wine, but since these are roasted with mushrooms and cheese they go wonderfully with an earthy Pinot Noir with some spice. The acid in the wine will help offset the richness of the dip.

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4. Baked Figs with Cheese and Prosciutto

 

Pinot Noir won’t overpower these delicately flavored figs, but the fruit and bright acidity will help bring all the flavors together. Plus you can bring these along wine tasting if you make them ahead of time.

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5. Classic Sunday Pot Roast

 

Pinot Noir and Pot Roast were a match made in heaven! The earthy, fruity notes will work well with the beef and mushrooms while elevating the herbs.

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6. Oxtail Stew with Chestnuts and Cherries

 

Choose a smokey Pinot Noir with baking spices and fruit notes to bring out the cherries and cinnamon. The acidity in the wine will help round out the richness in this Oxtail Stew.

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7. 1 Baguette – 3 Elegant Appetizers

A light and fruity Pinot Noir will bring out the best in each of these appetizers, while still letting the elegant flavors shine.

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8. Triple Tomato Risotto

 

Choose a Pinot Noir with bright acidity to bring out the tomatoes and cut through the richness of the oil and cheese in this risotto.

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9. Cinnamon Fudge Brownies with Sheet Pan Ice Cream

 

These Brownies just beg for a spicy glass of Pinot Noir to highlight the cinnamon and elevate the chocolate.

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10. Chocolate Cups with Nut Butter

 

A fruity Pinot Noir will pair beautifully with the jam, while enhancing the nuts and chocolate in these homemade cups.

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