Pairings & Pours: Earthy & Elegant

A Deep Dive into the Perfect Wine for Mushroom Soup

Why Does Pinot Noir Pair So Well with Mushrooms?

• Earthy Synergy – Both Pinot and mushrooms have earth-driven flavors that complement instead of overpower.

• Bright Acidity – Pinot’s natural acidity cuts through creamy textures like in your soup.

• Light Tannins – Unlike bolder reds, Pinot’s soft tannins don’t compete with delicate umami flavors.

After four decades exploring wine regions and countless glasses savored, I've found few pairings more satisfying than Pinot Noir with mushrooms. Both thrive in cool climates and share an affinity for expressing terroir—that magical sense of place that wine lovers cherish. I do prefer wines with a "taste of dirt!"

Mushrooms and Pinot Noir are nature's perfect match—forest-grown fungi and forest-floor wine enhance each other’s earthy essence in beautiful harmony.

My week immersed in Willamette Valley in 2015 deepened this connection. I tasted through dozens of Pinots, each capturing the region's distinctive character. I probably sound like a wino—but hey, it was my 50th birthday, and I was surrounded by so many amazing wines. How could I resist? That trip was so transformative that I later became a proud owner of Willamette Valley Vineyards, bringing a piece of that terroir home with me.

Through years of exploration, I've discovered several exceptional bottles that showcase this magical pairing. Here are some favorites from my cellar that beautifully complement our mushroom soup.

Pinot Noir: Old World vs. New World

• Burgundy Pinot Noir – Elegant, lean, restrained, with mushroom, truffle, and mineral notes.

• California/Oregon Pinot Noir – Bolder fruit, richer textures, with spice, cherry, and forest floor depth.

Sanford

From California’s Pacific Coast

• Sanford La Rinconada Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018
  Yes, the famous winery from Sideways! This Pinot Noir is deep, rich, and elegantly structured, with notes of black tea, leather, fennel, and ripe raspberries. Its earth-driven complexity and bright acidity make it a natural match for mushrooms, enhancing their umami depth while balancing the soup’s creamy texture. Grown in the Sta. Rita Hills' cool-climate vineyards, where Pinot Noir thrives, this wine offers great length and aging potential, making it a standout pairing for our mushroom soup.

• Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2022
  Aromatic with notes of coastal evergreens, wildflowers, and spiced cherries, this Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir offers an elegant balance of tangy dark berries and earthy sandalwood. Its delicate tannins and subtle spice complement the mushrooms’ depth, while its bright acidity cuts through the soup’s creamy texture.

Willamette Valley Vineyards

From Oregon’s Willamette Valley

• Willamette Valley Vineyards Whole Cluster Pinot Noir 2023
  Ruby-hued and bursting with aromas of dried cherries, cinnamon, and cranberry. Its vibrant acidity and supple texture lift the richness of the mushroom soup, while subtle leather and spice notes deepen the pairing.

• Elk Cove Pinot Noir Clay Court 2022
  An elegant, gravity-flow crafted Pinot Noir with concentrated red cherry and baking spice notes. Its silky tannins and subtle oak influence mirror the soup’s velvety texture, creating a seamless pairing.

• Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Pinot Noir 2022
  Grown in the Eola-Amity Hills’ volcanic soils, this mineral-driven Pinot balances vibrant acidity with depth of flavor. Its structure and earthy undertones make it an ideal companion for wild mushroom varieties.

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From Burgundy (France)

I haven't yet made my pilgrimage to Burgundy (it's on my bucket list!), but the region's wines have long set the gold standard for Pinot Noir. When I want to experience how Old World Pinot enhances mushroom soup, I look for a village-level Gevrey-Chambertin, with its classic earthiness and restrained red fruit that complements rather than competes with the dish.

For once-in-a-lifetime celebrations? Domaine de la Romanée-Conti represents the pinnacle of Pinot perfection—its harmonious balance of fruit, earth, and spice would transform our humble soup into something truly divine. Perhaps someday I'll experience this legendary pairing firsthand.

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A Creamy California Alternative

Prefer white? Schug Carneros Chardonnay 2022 offers intense aromatics of citrus, white flowers, and peach, with layers of tropical fruit and light minerality. Its well-balanced acidity creates a crisp finish that cuts through creamy soups while complementing the mushrooms' earthiness.

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Serving Notes:

When to Drink These Wines?

• California Pinot Noir – Best enjoyed within 3-7 years for its bright fruit character.

• Oregon Pinot Noir – Mid-range cellaring (5-10 years) enhances complexity.

• Burgundy Pinot Noir – Some bottles peak at 15+ years, revealing deep truffle-like notes.

Best Way to Serve Pinot Noir with Mushroom Soup

• Glassware: Use a Burgundy-style glass to highlight aromatics.

• Let it breathe: Decant 15-30 minutes to soften tannins.

• Serving Temp: 60-65°F (too warm = flat flavors, too cold = muted aromatics).

  • Pinot Noir: Serve slightly cool (60-65°F) in a Burgundy glass, let breathe 15-20 minutes

  • Chardonnay: Serve chilled (50-55°F) in a white wine glass, let breathe 10 minutes

Classic Manhattan
A nod to the era of this recipe, where earthy bitters and whiskey’s depth beautifully echo the soup’s richness.

Sage & Citrus Spritz
Bright and herbal, featuring gin, lemon, honey, and fresh sage, topped with sparkling water—offering a refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.

Classic Manhattan | Sage & Citrus Spritz

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Non-Alcoholic Pairings:

Mushroom Tea
Surprisingly complementary, with deep umami richness that enhances the soup’s earthy flavors.

Sparkling Water with Fresh Thyme
Light, herbaceous, and refreshing, cutting through the creaminess while complementing the dish’s aromatics.

Join the Conversation

1. Have you ever had a wine pairing “aha” moment—where the flavors just clicked?

2. Do you have a go-to bottle for earthy dishes like mushrooms or truffles?

3. Ever tried an unexpected pairing that totally worked?

4. What’s your go-to wine pairing for mushroom dishes?

5. Have you discovered any surprising combinations?

Share your favorites in the comments below!

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