wine being poured in glass

Pinot Noir is one of the most widely available, versatile, and popular wines on the market. It can be found in many restaurants and wine shops Unlike so many other wines, Pinot Noir has become known for being difficult to produce because of its susceptibility to changes in climate and nutrients as well as for being sensitive when it comes to how the grapes are handled during production. Because of this, when you want to buy red wine, you will recognize that some varieties of Pinot Noir are among the most expensive wines on earth.

It is a delicate grape with little phenolic compounds which gives it a bright red color and only slightly tannins. This delicate characteristic means that this red wine bottle can be served at any time of day without fear of overpowering flavors. However, just because it is delicate does not mean that there aren’t still some key things you need to keep in mind when serving this wine

  1. The first thing you need to do is choose the right glass. Wine glasses are crucial for tasting wine. The size and style of the glass affect how much air contacts the wine which impacts the amount of aroma that is released and if it reaches your nose; this also determines what part of your tongue tastes the flavor first. Bowls with a wider surface area allow more oxygen to come in contact with the wine as they can release more aroma, that’s why a wider bowl, which is also called Burgundy glass, would be a better choice for Pinot Noir.
  2. Be sure to give wine enough time to breathe. Decanting your wines will significantly impact their flavor of them and help make them taste better. Wines that come off too strong in smell or those which were created through a reductive process can be opened up by letting them experience oxygen for longer periods than usual. Wine becomes lighter, and softer, and develops an enhanced aroma profile when it has had sufficient exposure to air. The decanter provides an increased surface area from which the wine can absorb more oxygen- increasing its aeration time while also reducing its potential unpleasant qualities such as rancid smelling smells or sulfurous compounds.
  3. The third tip is to serve it at the right temperature. Consuming wine at the right temperature is vital for maximum enjoyment. Personal preference should always be considered before consumption, but generally speaking, white wines are served too cold while reds are served too hot. Serving whites colder than they should result in them being watery and less flavorful; serving reds hotter than what they need to be will result in them being overly bitter or even having an unpleasant smell (due to burning alcohol). It’s important not to serve either type of wine below its ideal temperature because it will cause it to suffer from aromas as well as flaws like lack of balance between acidity, tannins, sweetness, and how long it was aged.

Pinot Noir, the light but pleasant-bodied red wine can be served at a temperature between 12-16 degrees C (5- 61 degrees F). For those who would prefer it chilled, one hour of chilling in a cool place such as the fridge should do the trick.

  1. The fourth tip is to pair it with the right food. Pinot Noir’s bright acidity and finesse make it the perfect partner for many dishes; it goes well with food that is rich in flavors, such as beef, fatty fish such as salmon, game birds, sausage, duck breast, or lamb.

Even though there are plenty of Pinot Noir wines available to be purchased from most wine store USA, you may want to take advantage of the various brands that are offered through online wine delivery.

If you would like to learn about Pinot Noir and other wines comparison, don’t miss our blog about Pinot Noir Wine and Chardonnay Wine: More than Meets the Eye.