If you've been drinking wine for a while or are totally new to the world of wine, you would have heard about Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is a type of red wine made from the Pinot Noir grape. Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned, temperamental grape that is difficult to grow and produces wines with complex aromas and flavours. Pinot Noir wines are typically light to medium-bodied with cherry, raspberry, and other fruity flavours. The wines also have earthy and herbal flavours, as well as notes of mushrooms, leather, and even hints of tobacco.
How Do I Serve Pinot Noir?
When it comes to taste, Pinot Noir is typically described as light- to medium-bodied with pleasant acidity. It typically has a tartness with a hint of sweetness. Pinot Noir is usually dry, but some bottles may have a hint of residual sugar. It also has tannins, which are responsible for its slightly bitter, astringent taste.
The aroma of Pinot Noir can vary from bottle to bottle due to variations in the grape, the soil, and the winemaking process. Common aromas include black cherry, raspberry, blackberry, currant, and plum. It also has earthy, herbal, and spicy notes, which may be accentuated by oak aging.
What Pairs Well with Pinot Noir?
Pinot Noir's versatility makes it perfect for pairing with a variety of foods. From fish to beef, poultry to pork, Pinot Noir can be the perfect accompaniment to any meal.
1. Cheeses
Pinot Noir's fruity yet earthy flavour makes it a great match for a variety of cheeses. From creamy brie to nutty Gruyere, Pinot Noir has the acidity and body to cut through the richness of the cheese and bring out its flavours.
2. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are one of the few vegetables that really benefit from being paired with red wine. The earthy, umami notes of the mushrooms are complemented by the fruity yet earthy notes of the Pinot Noir.
3. Seafood
Pinot Noir is a great choice to accompany seafood dishes. Its light body and crisp acidity pair well with delicate fish such as salmon, trout, and halibut. It also pairs nicely with shellfish such as shrimp, scallops, and lobster.
4. Wild Game
Wild game is traditionally paired with a full-bodied red wine, but Pinot Noir can be a surprisingly good match for dishes such as venison, elk, and boar. The fruity yet earthy notes of Pinot Noir pair nicely with the gamey flavour of the meat.
How Do I Serve Pinot Noir?
Serving Pinot Noir is an art form. It’s a delicate and complex variety of wines that requires a particular set of conditions and techniques in order to bring out its best characteristics.
First, temperature. Pinot Noir should be served at a cool but not cold temperature. The ideal serving temperature for Pinot Noir is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If the wine is served too cold, the flavours will be muted, and the aromas will be hidden.
Now the temperature is out of the way, let's talk about glassware. Pinot Noir should be served in a glass that is wide at the bottom and tapers towards the top. This shape helps to enhance the delicate aromas of the wine. Avoid using glasses that are too big for Pinot Noir, as the wine’s delicate flavours can be overwhelmed by the size of the glass.
Conclusion
And that's what you need to know about the incredible Pinot Noir. With this knowledge, you know exactly what it takes to drink Pinot Noir and make the most out of it. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and check out local wineries near you to enjoy what Pinot Noir has to offer.
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