Now we're talking. Not a huge fan of burgandies/pinots. Fine with food, just not my first choice to sit and sip. I usually do blends, but for a varietal, my choice would be syrah or a zin.
For us, as with Chardonnay, Pinot is a universal wine, paired or not. Like Champagne (which is understandable given the inputs). But a lot of people are like you when it comes to Pinot. (And we loved Pinot long before we moved to the heart of Burgundy on the Coast.) But we also enjoy diversity so the wine shed is far from mono-varietal.
Chard has been a favorite for years. For a long time it was my basic sipper. These days I try to mix it up a bit. Maybe I should start throwing some pinot into the rotation.
Our last few shipments included Petite Sirah, Merlot, Barbera, Zin, Cab, Grenache, Mourvedre and not-from-the-Rhone Rhone blends. The next one pending is carbonic Sangiovese. We get around. lol We have more Pinot in supply as much for where we used to live as our love of the varietal.
Love Petite Sirah. Most any blend with a fair amount of it is a friend of mine. Zin, Grenache and Mourvedre are good too. Whenever I pronounce that last one though, it always comes out Monastrell. Probably 'cause I'm from south Seattle!
Never see it on the shelf. I have asked the liquor store employees if they have it and found out stores here will not put it on the shelf. but if you ask the right person when they have it they will grab a bottle from the back. One time I asked at Meijer’s and got a call back two hours later.
It is well hidden along with two bottles of Buffalo Trace , I have a house guest who is also a bourbon fan.
I just went to the store yesterday and picked up a bottle of Four Roses. I haven't cracked it open yet but I was looking either for Buffalo Trace or Eagle Rare. May have to check our local Binny's for them.