Regardless of the wine you are drinking, the serving temperature impacts the manner in which you perceive its flavours. Ensuring that it’s served at the right temperature ensures you are able to enjoy its subtleties in a much better way. So, what temperature should a Pinot Noir be served?
Note: One that seems to surprise nearly everyone (even in restaurants) is the 55-60°F recommendation for Pinot Noir. Because Pinot is more delicate, acidic and lower-tannin than most other red wines, it is best showcased slightly chilled.
About the Pinot Noir
This red wine is made from the famous Pinot Noir grape. The Burgundy region in France is where this wine is made; however, a large number of other wine growing regions across the world, such as Oregon and California also grow this wine. In fact, Champagne is a blend of Chardonnay grapes & Pinot Noir grapes. The Méthode Champenoise is used to turn Pinot Noir grapes into blanc de noir Champagne. This wine gets its dark colour from the Pinot Noir juice that’s clear and is left in contact with the grape skins.
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If you want to bring out the true flavours of the Pinot Noir, you would have to use the best temperature while serving it. Serving it either too cold or too warm will only mask its subtler aspects. There is a variation in the Pinot Noir style from one region to the next. However, these are the flavours you will commonly discover in the Pinot Noir, when it has been served at the ideal temperature:
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The softness and richness of the Pinot Noir can range from medium to full-bodied and it has very minimal alcohol levels & acidity.
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The Temperature that the Pinot Noir should be served at
Like many other wines, getting the storage and serving temperature of the Pinot Noir right, is a balancing act. However, when you get it right, you will find it’s possible to preserve all the characteristics that we just talked about. This provides the perfect balance of fruity flavours, acidity and alcohol content, even as you are able to relish the subtleties of the wine profile.
The temperature doesn’t really change these characteristics; but it impacts the manner in which your palate perceives these flavours. Serving the Pinot Noir at the right temperature can make significant difference to your enjoyment of the wine. As is the case with most wines, it’s best to serve the Pinot Noir at a little cooler than room temperature. Many people are under the impression that reds have to be served at room temperature.
However that’s a myth. The Pinot Noir is a lighter-bodied red, and is best served at 16°C. Its storage temperature should also be in that range as it adds to the longevity of the wine. If your Pinot Noir has been stored at room temperature, you can then store it in the refrigerator for 2 hours, at the right temperature. Alternatively, storing it in ice & water for 15 minutes or for around 15 minutes in the freezer will do the trick as well.
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Should You Serve Your Wine at Room Temperature?
FAQ
Should I put Pinot Noir in the fridge?
Should a Pinot Noir be served cold?
When should you drink Pinot Noir?
Do you chill white Pinot Noir?
Should Pinot noir be served warm or cold?
Serving Pinot Noir at the right temperature can truly enhance the tasting experience. When served too warm, the alcohol can be overpowering and the subtle nuances of the wine can be lost. On the other hand, serving it too cold can mask its aromas and flavors, diminishing the enjoyment of the wine.
Should Pinot noir be refrigerated before serving?
If the wine is at room temperature, I chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before serving. If it’s too cold, I let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to allow its aromas and flavors to open up. Serving Pinot Noir at the right temperature can truly enhance the tasting experience.
Should Pinot noir be chilled?
The best temperature to serve pinot noir is 55ºF, so, yes, it should be served chilled. To achieve this temperature, it should be kept in a wine fridge set to the right temperature . If you do not have a wine fridge, you can place it in your kitchen fridge for 30 minutes to an hour before serving.
What temperature should a Pinot noir go?
If you let a good Pinot Noir wine go over 65°F (18°C), it is harsher and less vibrant, although it can help cheaper varieties taste heartier. The best glass for Pinot Noir is a Burgundy wine glass or a wide bowl wine glass – this helps aerate the wine to bring out the acidity.