Pinot Noir, often referred to as the “heartbreak grape” due to its finicky nature, is one of the most beloved red wine varietals in the world. This delicate yet expressive wine hails from various regions, including Burgundy, Oregon, California, and New Zealand. To fully appreciate the nuances and complexities of Pinot Noir, it’s essential to know how to drink it. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the art of savoring Pinot Noir, including everything from choosing the right glass to the ideal serving temperature and food pairings.
The Right Glassware for Pinot Noir
Choosing the right glass for your Pinot Noir is a crucial first step in savoring its delightful flavors and aromas. The right glass can enhance the wine’s characteristics and offer a more enjoyable sensory experience.
Pinot Noir Glasses:
Pinot Noir glasses are unique in their shape, featuring a wide bowl and a tapered rim. The wide bowl allows for aeration, which brings out the wine’s aromas and flavors.
The tapered rim concentrates the wine’s delicate aromas and guides them toward your nose, enabling you to fully appreciate the wine’s bouquet.
Bordeaux Glasses:
While Pinot Noir glasses are tailored to the varietal, you can also use a Bordeaux glass as an alternative. Bordeaux glasses have a similar wide bowl, which allows for aeration, although they may not concentrate the aromas as effectively as Pinot Noir glasses.
Tulip-Shaped Glasses:
Tulip-shaped glasses, which are used for other red wines like Burgundy and Syrah, can also work well for Pinot Noir. These glasses have a wider bowl than Bordeaux glasses but are more tapered at the rim, providing a compromise between aeration and aroma concentration.
The Ideal Serving Temperature
The temperature at which you serve your Pinot Noir significantly impacts the wine’s character. Serving it at the right temperature ensures that you experience the full range of flavors and aromas.
Chilled Pinot Noir:
Pinot Noir is best served slightly chilled, typically between 55°F and 62°F (13°C to 17°C). Slightly cooler than room temperature, this range allows the wine to express its bright red fruit and floral notes.
Refrigerate the wine for about 30 minutes before serving to achieve the ideal temperature. If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to chill it a bit longer.
Avoid Over-Chilling:
Be cautious not to over-chill your Pinot Noir, as excessive cold can mute the wine’s delicate flavors and aromas. If the wine is too cold, allow it to warm up a little in the glass before sipping.
Decanting Pinot Noir:
Some Pinot Noirs benefit from decanting, especially if they are young or more structured. Decanting allows the wine to breathe and can help it open up, revealing additional nuances.
Savoring the Bouquet
Before taking your first sip, engage your sense of smell by savoring the wine’s bouquet. The aromas that emanate from the glass provide a preview of the wine’s flavors and an opportunity to appreciate its complexity.
Swirl the Wine:
Gently swirl your glass to agitate the wine and release its aromas. This helps the wine mix with oxygen and volatilize its aromatic compounds.
Take Your Time:
Spend a moment with your nose over the glass, inhaling the scents. Note the different aromas that emerge, which may include red fruits like cherries and raspberries, floral notes like violets, and earthy undertones.
Consider Aromatics:
Pinot Noir is renowned for its aromatic qualities. Pay attention to the wine’s fragrances, as they can vary significantly depending on the region, winemaking style, and age of the wine.
The Art of Sipping
When it comes to drinking Pinot Noir, taking a sip is a moment of delight. The wine’s delicate and nuanced flavors require a mindful approach to fully appreciate its charm.
Small Sips:
Begin with small sips to acquaint your palate with the wine. Pinot Noir’s flavors are subtle, and drinking it in moderation allows you to savor each nuance.
Taste and Texture:
Pay attention to the wine’s taste and texture. Pinot Noir often showcases red fruit flavors, such as strawberries and cherries. It’s known for its silky and elegant mouthfeel, which can make it incredibly enjoyable.
Consider the Finish:
The finish, or the taste that lingers after you’ve swallowed the wine, is another aspect to explore. Pinot Noir’s finish can range from short and crisp to long and complex, depending on the specific bottle.
