Drouhin Laforet Pinot Noir

Drouhin Laforet Pinot Noir is listed as a Massachusetts wine from the United States. Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned red grape, and cool-climate New England versions tend to be lighter and brighter than warm-region bottlings. The listing gives no vintage, alcohol level or oak details, so what follows describes what this style usually delivers, not measured figures for this bottle. In the glass, expect a pale to medium ruby color and a light to medium body. The fruit usually leans red: tart cherry, cranberry and raspberry, sometimes with a touch of strawberry. Earthy notes such as forest floor, dried herbs or mushroom often sit underneath. Tannins in Pinot Noir are typically soft and fine-grained, and the acidity is fresh enough to give the wine lift and a clean, moderately long finish. If oak was used, it is more likely to add a light spice or toast than heavy vanilla. Check the label if that matters to you. Because of that acidity and gentle structure, the wine suits foods that rich red wines would overpower. Roast chicken, duck breast, salmon or seared tuna, mushroom risotto, and pork tenderloin with a fruit-based sauce all work well. Soft cheeses such as brie and aged Gruyère also pair easily. New England staples like roasted squash, cranberry-glazed turkey and grilled salmon are natural matches too. Serve it lightly cooled, at about 55 to 60°F. About 20 minutes in the refrigerator before opening usually gets a room-temperature bottle there. Decanting is rarely needed for a wine like this, though a few minutes in a wide-bowled glass lets the aromas open up. A Burgundy-style glass, with a large bowl that narrows toward the rim, concentrates the red-fruit and earthy aromas. Most Pinot Noir at this level is made to be opened soon after purchase, while the fruit is lively, rather than cellared for years. Without a vintage or producer notes to suggest otherwise, treat this as a bottle to drink now.