Pinot Noir Guide: How to Choose and Enjoy This Elegant Wine
Pinot Noir has always been a favourite among lovers of thought-provoking wines because of its silky smooth palate,breathtaking fragrance and vibrant ruby colour. Its reputation for quality has spread around the globe.
Whether you’re a casual imbiber and merely drink wine for pleasure, or an aficionado who takes your tasting seriously, there are things to learn both about choosing this refined drink and how best to enjoy it so as not lose any of its subtlety or silkiness.
Understanding the Character of Pinot Noir
It is one of Pinot Noir, the oldest and best known grape varieties in the world. A native of the French Burgundy region, it thrives in cooler weather and is a connoisseur’s delight. The grape creates light to medium-bodied wines with a flavor of red berry, raspberry or even strawberry intertwined with the earthiness underneath that brings this wine mystery.
Pinot Noirs are very vulnerable plants which is also what makes them a challenge, and ultimately rewarding for wine makers. After being coaxed into producing temperate grapes by the spring and fall rains, they give a uniquely terroir-driven product in return.
Choosing the Right Bottle
When you choose Pinot Noir, region is a main determinant of flavor character. While the winemakers of French Burgundy, particularly those of the Côte de Nuits, are cherished for their wines with quiet depth and aging potential. However, all too often in places like New Zealand, Australia and California fresh primary-style wines predominate over more complex, less polished products.
In Australia, the top Pinot Noir comes from cooler regions such as Perth Hills, Yarra Valley, Bowral and Canberra Sangiovese. These wines often feature bright cherry and raspberry flavors framed by delicate spice and supple tannins. If you prefer a firmer and more earthy taste, seek out Burgundy or Oregon Pinot Noir. If something lighter and more fruity fits your bill, then Australian or New Zealand bottles could be perfect.
Understanding Vintage and Price
Harvest date or vintage in American English can affect both quality and style. Cooler vintages tend to produce wines with more acidity and less fruit flavor, while in warmer years the carotene is converted into sugar so that it becomes richer and tastier.
Don’t assume that high prices are a guarantee of superior quality. Mid-priced offerings from respected producers can be outstanding. Reading the notes of critics or soliciting a tip from a sommelier or wine merchant may also lead you to find overlooked treasures.
How to Serve and Store Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is best served lightly warmed, around 14–16°C (57–61°F). Too much heat can make the wine taste of alcohol, and if it is too cold, the delicate aromas go astray.
Use a large, round glass to let wine breathe well and fill the room with its fragrance.
In any case, should you decide to lay down your wine, store it in a cool, dark place that keeps a constant temperature. Top-quality Pinot Noir can bring more complexity as it ages, offering layers of spice, underbrush and dried fruit.
Perfect Food Pairings
The greatest advantage of Pinot noir is that it can go with just about anything when it comes to eating. Its mild cranberry taste and gentle tannin make the wine a harmonious partner for many kinds of cuisine.
You might want to think about matching Pinot Noir with roast duck, seared salmon, mushroom risotto, very possibly even cold meats and soft cheeses. The wine’s midway structure suits both rich and delicate flavors.
Savoring the Experience
To appreciate the elegance of Pinot Noir, take it slowly, don’t drink in one gulp. Look at its colour and give the glass a gentle swirl; inhale its fragrance before tasting. Every sip unveils the artisan behind this wine, as well as tells about land from whence it came.
Whether you are exploring the vineyards of Australian or finding out about Burgundy classics, it is true that Pinot Noir offers wine at its most elegant— a combination of artistry, nature, and love.
