Sagrantino vs Pinot Noir

Characteristics	Sagrantino	Pinot Noir
Hue	Deep purple to inky black	Pale red to garnet
Color	Red	Red
Aromas	Dark berries, black plum, floral notes	Red cherry, strawberry, earthy
Tannins	Very high	Low to moderate
Acid	Moderate to high	Moderate to high
Alcohol (%)	14-15.5%	12.5-14.5%
Body	Full	Light to medium
Intensity	Pronounced	Moderate to pronounced
Key Growing Regions	Montefalco, Italy	Burgundy (France), Oregon, California, New Zealand, Australia, Chile
Classic Pairings	Grilled meats, aged cheeses	Duck, lamb, mushroom dishes
Price Range	$25-$60	$10-$100

Sagrantino vs Pinot Noir is a curious comparison. These wines couldn’t be more different.

Sagrantino is a full-bodied, high tannin wine with black fruits and high alcohol. Pinot Noir has a lighter body, delicate red fruit, and a silky texture. Pinot Noir is more widely available than Sagrantino.

TL;DR: If you enjoy Pinot Noir’s easy-drinking approachable fruit profile and soft tannins, you probably won’t enjoy Sagrantino wine.

Here’s what you need to know about Sagrantino vs Pinot Noir.

Sagrantino Basics: An Italian Powerhouse

Originating from the heart of Italy, Sagrantino has made a name for itself with its bold and intense personality. Mainly associated with the Umbria region, Sagrantino boasts a deep flavor profile with prominent dark fruit and savory notes and hints of chocolate and spice. Its full-bodied nature provides a robust and lingering experience. (Read more about Sagrantino wines here.)

Pinot Noir Basics: Burgundian Rouge

Pinot Noir thrives in Burgundy, California, Oregon, Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Known for its versatility and finesse, Pinot Noir offers a nuanced flavor profile with red fruit notes and subtle earthy undertones, and perfumed floral aromas. Its light to medium body provides an approachable and smooth-drinking experience. (Learn more about Pinot Noir wines here.)

Fun Wine Fact: Pinot Noir is a key component in traditional sparkling wines like Champagne, contributing to their elegance and structure.

Wine Comparison: Sagrantino vs. Pinot Noir

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison covering the key characteristics of Sagrantino and Pinot Noir.

Sagrantino Wine Profile

• Sweetness: Sagrantino is a dry wine.
• Body: Sagrantino boasts a full-bodied and robust nature, much fuller than Pinot Noir
• Flavors: Dark fruits, chocolate, and spice dominate the flavor profile.
• Acid: Sagrantino has medium plus to high acid, similar to Pinot Noir.
• Tannins: Sagrantino is known for its bold and grippy tannins.
• Aroma: Aromatic notes of ripe berries and hints of earthiness.

Pinot Noir Wine Profile

• Sweetness: Pinot Noir is a dry wine; inexpensive bottles may have a little sweetness to them.
• Body: Pinot Noir offers a light to medium body with a silky texture.
• Flavors: Red fruit notes, such as cherry and raspberry, with subtle earthy nuances.
• Acid: Pinot Noir has medium plus to high acid, similar to Sagrantino.
• Tannins: Pinot Noir typically has soft and supple tannins, much less pronounced than Sagrantino.
• Aroma: Delicate aromas of red berries and a touch of floral notes.

Are Sagrantino and Pinot Noir Similar?

Both Sagrantino and Pinot Noir benefit from oak aging, which can soften their mouthfeel and add spice, mocha, an coffee notes to the wine. Both wines are medium plus to high acid.

What Is the Difference Between Sagrantino and Pinot Noir?

Sagrantino’s full-bodied richness and robust tannins set it apart from Pinot Noir’s lighter body and softer tannic structure. Sagrantino’s flavor profile leans towards dark fruits and spices, while Pinot Noir offers a more delicate expression with red fruit notes and subtle earthiness.

Sagrantino vs. Pinot Noir Winemaking

Traditional Sagrantino wines need longer maturation time than Pinot Noir to soften all of those harsh tannins. Both Sagrantino and Pinot Noir wines see oak, giving them spice, cocoa, and toasty notes of goodness.

Sagrantino vs. Pinot Noir: Food Pairings and Serving Temperature

Sagrantino’s robust, tannic, full-bodied profile makes it an ideal companion for hearty dishes such as grilled meats and aged cheeses.

Pinot Noir is a more delicate wine with nuanced red cherry flavors. Look to dishes that can use a little brightening up, like risotto, salads, and roasted white meats.

Both Tannat and Pinot Noir are best enjoyed at slightly below room temperature. Place them in a cool, dark place 10-15 minutes before serving.

Discover More:
Pinot Noir Cheese Pairing Guide

Which Is More Expensive, Sagrantino vs. Pinot Noir?

Sagrantino vs Pinot Noir for bottle cost is an interesting exercise. Sagrantino isn’t as widely available nor as popular, and it needs significant work in the winery, so you’ll pay more for entry-level wines. On the other hand, Sagrantino can’t command the same prices as top Burgundy, so you’ll pay more for super-premium and cult Pinot Noir wines.

Sagrantino Cost

• Entry-level Sagrantino wines can be found in the $20 to $30 range, offering a glimpse into the varietal’s bold character.
• Premium Sagrantino selections from renowned vineyards may reach prices of $50 or more, showcasing the pinnacle of Umbrian winemaking.

Pinot Noir Cost

• Pinot Noir wines are widely available at various price points. You’ll find budget-friendly Pinot Noir starting around $5 USD. These wines, while more affordable, are typically made in an off-dry (slightly sweet) style.
• Pinot Noir starts to get interesting around $18-$25 USD.
• Premium Pinot Noir wines, sourced from renowned regions, can easily cost you $45 – $80+ USD.

Which Is Better, Sagrantino or Pinot Noir?

If you like tannic, bold red wines, then Sagrantino is the better choice. But if you appreciate the finesse of a lighter red wine with nuanced complexities, Pinot Noir is the better option.

Final Thoughts – Sagrantino or Pinot Noir?

Both Sagrantino and Pinot Noir offer two opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to red wines. Engaging in a side-by-side tasting is an excellent way to appreciate the contrasting characteristics of these two unique varietals.

Whether you opt for the robust embrace of Sagrantino or the graceful elegance of Pinot Noir, exploring these wines in tandem will be educational.

• Get: 1 bottle each of similarly priced Sagrantino and Pinot Noir
• Gather your friends
• Do a tasting and see which you prefer

Helpful Tip: Sagrantino is a food wine. You’ll need to have something to nibble while you’re tasting. Think cold cuts, black olives, or salted nuts.

Thirsty for More?

Embrace the world of red wines by hosting a side-by-side tasting to expand your knowledge.

Check out this post on Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot, another popular red wine, along with Cabernet Sauvignon vs Malbec, and Shiraz vs Merlot.

You should be able to find delicious wines at every price point. Check out this post on how to find great wines under $50.