Belle Glos Alturas Pinot Noir

Alturas Pinot Noir comes from Belle Glos in the United States. It is a Pinot Noir, so it is a red wine made from a thin-skinned grape that gives a lighter-bodied, more translucent wine than Cabernet or Syrah. The details we have don't include a tasting profile, so what follows is what Pinot Noir in this style usually shows, not a measured description of this bottle. Expect red-fruit aromas such as cherry, raspberry and cranberry, often with darker plum or blackberry in warmer-climate versions. Secondary notes typically include baking spice, dried herbs, tea leaf and a forest-floor earthiness. Tannin is generally soft and fine-grained, acidity is moderate to bright, and any oak shows up as a light vanilla or toast note. The finish tends to be medium in length and carried by that acidity. At the table, Pinot Noir suits foods that a bigger red would overwhelm. Roast chicken, duck breast and pork tenderloin all work well, as do salmon and tuna, especially seared or grilled. Mushroom dishes, such as risotto or a pan sauce with thyme, match the wine's earthy side. Soft cheeses like Brie or Gruyère are better partners than sharp, aged ones. Heavily spiced or very rich red-meat dishes are better left to a sturdier wine. Serve it lightly cooled, at about 55 to 60°F (13 to 16°C). Twenty minutes in the refrigerator before opening usually gets a room-temperature bottle there. Decanting isn't needed for a Pinot of this kind, but pouring it into a large glass and letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes can open up the aromas. A wide-bowled Burgundy-style glass works best because it concentrates the delicate fruit and spice while leaving room to swirl. Most bottles in this style are made to drink on release and are at their best within a few years of the vintage. A short stretch in a cool cellar can soften the structure, but this is not a wine that needs long keeping.