Belle Glos Clark Pinot Noir

Belle Glos Clark Pinot Noir is an American red from the Belle Glos label, made from Pinot Noir, a thin-skinned grape that gives a lighter-bodied, more transparent red than Cabernet or Syrah. The listing gives no vintage, alcohol level or tasting notes, so what follows describes how Pinot Noir in this style usually behaves. It is not a measured profile of this bottle. Expect red and dark cherry, raspberry or strawberry, and often a note of cola, tea leaf or forest floor. If the wine saw oak, you may also find a touch of baking spice or vanilla. Pinot Noir typically has medium body, fine-grained and moderate tannin, and fresh acidity that keeps the fruit lively and carries into a smooth, medium-length finish. That balance of acidity and soft tannin makes Pinot Noir adaptable at the table. Roast chicken, duck breast and pork tenderloin all work, as does salmon or seared tuna, which can handle a red wine. Mushroom dishes, such as risotto, a mushroom tart or sautéed chanterelles, echo the earthy side of the grape. For a simpler meal, a margherita pizza, a charcuterie board or a semi-soft cheese such as Gruyère suits it. Heavily spiced dishes and big grilled steaks tend to overwhelm Pinot's delicacy. Serve it slightly cool, around 55 to 60°F (13 to 16°C). Thirty minutes in the refrigerator before opening usually gets a room-temperature bottle there. Warmer than that, the fruit can turn flat and the alcohol more noticeable. Decanting is not required for most Pinot Noir. If the wine seems tight or closed on opening, pouring it into a decanter or swirling it in the glass for 15 to 20 minutes can help it open up. Use a large-bowled Burgundy-style glass with a wide belly and a slightly tapered rim, which gathers the delicate aromas and gives them room to develop. Wines of this type are usually made to be enjoyed on release or within a few years of it, and the listing gives no cellaring guidance for this bottle. For the best fruit, drink it young. If you do hold a bottle, keep it on its side in a cool, dark place at a steady temperature.