Red Wines to Drink Instead of Pinot Noir

Image via Complex Original

Look for: Setzer, Paul Achs, Glatzer

The most widely planted red variety in Austria, Zweigelt tends to produce a lighter-bodied, peppery wine that is reminiscent of German Pinot Noir. But with careful work in the vineyard, these wines can be quite graceful and aromatic. Cinnamon, violets and fresh strawberry flavors are often found in Zweigelts. 

Look for: Allegrini’s “La Poja”, Marion, Corte Sant’Alda

Another alternative to the Napa Valley-style of Pinot Noir, Corvina is the foundation of the Valpolicella blend. However, when vinified as a single varietal Corvina, shows elegance and complexity that earns it a spot on the “other” Pinot Noir list. The wines are light to medium bodied with soft tannins, big cherry flavors, and a mildly nutty finish. Corvina does well when it’s aged in wood, which adds depth and structure. 

Look for: Enfer d'Arvier, Franco Noussan, Feudo di San Maurizio

One of the few indigenous red grapes from the Northern Italian region of Vallee d’Aoste, Mayolets are generally medium-bodied with strawberry and blueberry flavors. These wines are like New World Pinot Noir with an edgier attitude. 

Look for: D. Ventura, Descendientes de J. Palacios, Monasterio de Corias

Found in the Spanish regions of Bierzo, Valdeorras, and Ribera Sacra, Mencia is starting to gain a well-earned following. This wine is ideal for the person who prefers a fuller California style of Pinot Noir. Mencia has a core of rich fruit with an earthy and smoky backbone. 

Look for: Patrimonios aren’t very common, but try wines from Yves Leccia and Maestracci

Sangiovese’s close cousin Nielluccio is found predominately on the isle of Corsica and has yet to gain the recognition that it deserves. Nielluccio based wines generally have biting acidity, tart fruit, and spicy undertones. While the Sangiovese comparison is undeniable, there are still a lot of Pinot Noir similarities. 

Look for: Tenuta de le Terre Nerre, Calabretta, Romeo del Castello

This native Sicilian variety is the main grape in the increasingly popular Etna Rosso blend. However, by itself, Nerello manages to strike a middle ground between Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo. The wines are subtle, refined, and aromatic, with tart fruit flavors and soft tannins.

Look for: Puffeney, Arnot-Roberts, Lornet

This grape is native to France’s Jura region (which was once part of Burgundy). Trousseau displays a soft fruitiness with a pleasant tart bite on the finish. It also shares a similar palate, weight, and body to Pinot Noir and is naturally high in acidity, making it great for pairing with food. 

Look for: Chanteleuserie Bourgeuil, Raffault Chinon, Filliatreau Saumur

Look for Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, as the cooler climate helps produce wines unlike anywhere else in the world: lighter-bodied, highly aromatic and with soft tannins. Best of all, some of the lesser-known regions, like Bourgeuil, offer wonderful price to quality ratio. 

Look for: Chignard Fleurie, Lapierre Morgon, Thivin Cote de Brouilly

The often-unappreciated Gamay Noir is the other red grape of Burgundy, but it shares more in common with Pinot Noir than an address. Quality Beaujolais Cru will have the same wild strawberry and cherry flavors often associated with young Pinot Noir. 

Look for: Langhe Nebbiolo from Brezza, DeForville, Sottimano, Vietti

Nebbiolo is mostly found in Italy’s Piedmont region and shares so much in common with Pinot Noir: they both have a flavor profile of dried cherries, cranberries, mushrooms and spice, and both yield wines of great elegance and longevity. Nebbiolo, however, has much harsher tannins, so I recommend opting for one with a little more age on it.