If there is one day a year to open a great Pinot Noir without needing a reason, this is it.
National Pinot Noir Day is the kind of holiday we take seriously at Etude. The name of the winery is French for "study," and Pinot Noir has been our subject since Tony Soter established the estate in 1982 in the cool-climate Carneros AVA, one year before the region was officially recognized. More than 40 years later, the study continues. And today, we are pairing it with something worthy of the occasion.
Sesame crusted ahi tuna with charred scallion and citrus soy glaze. Ten minutes of prep. Five minutes at the stove. One bottle of the 2022 Etude Carneros Pinot Noir. That is all you need.
The Wine: 2022 Etude Carneros Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is the most transparent of all grape varietals. It hides nothing. Every decision made in the vineyard shows up in the glass, which is precisely why Etude has always believed that great wine begins long before harvest.
Our 2022 Carneros Pinot Noir is grown on estate at Grace Benoist Ranch, tucked into the far northwest corner of the Carneros AVA at the foot of Sonoma Mountain. The volcanic soils, cooling fog, and maritime breezes off San Pablo Bay and the Pacific create the long, measured growing season that Pinot Noir demands. The result is a wine with lifted red fruit, bright acidity, and an earthy depth that makes it as compelling at the table as it is on its own.
It has earned more than 100 ratings of 90 points or above from JamesSuckling.com alone. Tonight, it earns its place beside a seared piece of sushi-grade tuna.
The Pairing: Why It Works
Umami, char, and lean protein allow Pinot Noir acidity and red fruit to stay expressive and lifted. The soy and citrus glaze mirrors the wine's savory depth without competing with its fruit. The sesame crust adds texture and a subtle nuttiness that echoes the earthier notes in the Carneros terroir. The charred scallion brings a gentle bitterness that keeps every sip of Pinot feeling bright and alive.
This is not a pairing that overwhelms. It is one that listens. The food makes the wine taste better. The wine makes the food taste better. That is the goal.
Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna with Charred Scallion and Citrus Soy Glaze
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 5 mins | Serves 4
Pairs with 2022 Etude Carneros Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir
Ingredients
- 1 lb sushi-grade ahi tuna loin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/3 cup mixed black and white sesame seeds
- Neutral oil
- 4 scallions
Instructions
- Whisk soy sauce, orange juice, rice vinegar, and honey. Set aside.
- Press tuna into sesame seeds on all sides until evenly coated.
- Heat a thin layer of neutral oil in a pan over high heat until very hot. Sear tuna quickly, about 45 seconds per side, leaving the center rare.
- Char scallions in the same pan until blistered and tender.
- Slice tuna into even pieces and drizzle lightly with glaze. Serve alongside charred scallions.
- Pour the 2022 Etude Carneros Pinot Noir and serve immediately.
A note on the tuna: sushi-grade matters here. The center stays rare, so quality is non-negotiable. Ask your fishmonger and do not settle.
Shop the 2022 Etude Carneros Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Noir at etudewines.com.
Enjoy responsibly. Pour & Protect.