2 Red Wine Alternatives Worth Trying If You Enjoy Pinot Noir

If red wine is your drink of choice, then you likely already have a go-to variety and even a favorite bottle that you keep stocked in your house. For many wine drinkers, whether red is their preference or not, pinot noir is an easy choice because it is generally light to medium-bodied. But what if you are a devout red wine drinker and want an alternative type of red wine? Luckily for you, Amy Racine, beverage director and partner at JF Restaurants, has two options.

"I think a pinot lover should dabble in Northern Rhône Syrah," Racine says. She describes lighter varieties of Northern Rhône Syrah as "pinot's more savory cousin," with tart red fruit flavors, medium body, fine tannins, and a good amount of acidity. "It shares pinot's red cherry, violet, and forest floor, then adds cracked black pepper, olive, and a cured-meat savoriness," she says. 

Another option is Nerello Mascalese, a lesser-known grape variety that hails from Sicily, according to Racine. It's grown on a volcano, which is a fun fact that is sure to impress the guests at your cocktail hour, but its notes are also reminiscent of pinot noir. "It shares pinot's sour cherry, dried rose, and forest floor, but adds crushed stone, blood orange peel, and a faint smoke here."

If you want to try either of these wines instead of cracking open another bottle of pinot noir, Racine has suggestions on which brands to buy. If you want to try Northern Rhône Syrah, she suggests Saint-Joseph, which is priced at $46 for a bottle at Total Wine & More (though prices may vary by location). It has a nearly 4-star review based on customer reviews to back up Racine's suggestion. Another option is from Crozes-Hermitage, which will set you back $27 if you're looking for a more affordable option.

When it comes to Nerello Mascalese, Racine suggests Tenuta delle Terre Nere's Calderara Sottana, which is around $80 a bottle. We also found an option from Cortese that's around $17 a bottle for a more affordable price point.

If you want to expertly pair foods with either of these wines, Tasting Table has some suggestions. Syrah pairs well with grilled fruits, as well as steaks, vegetables, and herbs, so try our grilled skirt steak with chimichurri recipe. Meanwhile, Nerello Mascalese pairs well with roasted vegetables, pork and duck, and fish, so try our crispy roast duck recipe with a glass when you are tired of pinot noir.