Moxie Vino

Pinot Noir vs Cabernet Sauvignon: what's the difference?

Pinot Noir is a light, silky red with cherry and strawberry flavors, while Cabernet Sauvignon is a big, bold red with blackcurrant and a drying grip, so pick Pinot for salmon, turkey and lighter meals and Cabernet for steak and burgers.

Pinot Noir
Cabernet Sauvignon

These sit at opposite ends of the red wine spectrum. Pinot Noir is the one you can sip on its own on a warm night; Cabernet is the one that wants a steak next to it. If reds usually feel too heavy to you, that's a Cabernet problem, not a red wine problem.

Side by side

Pinot NoirCabernet Sauvignon
Where it's fromBurgundy in France, California, Oregon, New ZealandBordeaux in France, Napa and the rest of California, Washington
Tastes likeCherry, strawberry, cranberry, a little earthyBlackcurrant, blackberry, cedar, vanilla
BodyLight to mediumFull
TanninLow. Tannin is the drying, grippy feeling, and Pinot has littleHigh, especially when young
PriceAbout $15–30 for a good oneAbout $10–25 for a good one
Best withSalmon, turkey, mushrooms, duckSteak, burgers, lamb, prime rib

When to pick Pinot Noir

Pick Pinot Noir when you want a red that is easy to sip, works with lighter food, or will please people who "don't really drink red."

  • Meiomi Pinot Noir

    about $22

    Pinot NoirGood buy

    Jammy and smooth, almost a bridge between Pinot and something bigger. Very hard to dislike.

  • Bread & Butter Pinot Noir

    about $15

    Pinot NoirGood buy

    Soft cherry and a little vanilla for less money. An easy weeknight red.

  • La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

    about $25

    Pinot NoirDrink this one

    Brighter and more classic than Meiomi. The pick for salmon night.

When to pick Cabernet Sauvignon

Pick Cabernet Sauvignon when you are eating red meat or want a red that feels big and serious.

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Last checked 2026-10-04.