Self Evident Pinot Noir

Self Evident Pinot Noir is a Massachusetts-grown red from Esplanda, made from Pinot Noir, the thin-skinned grape that tends toward transparency and restraint rather than weight. The producer hasn't supplied a tasting profile, so the notes below describe what cool-climate Pinot Noir from New England usually shows. Expect a pale to medium ruby color, red-fruit aromas of tart cherry, cranberry and raspberry, and perhaps a little earth, dried herb or forest-floor character. The body should be light to medium, tannins soft and fine-grained, and acidity bright, which is typical where the growing season is short and cool. If oak was used, it is most likely a light touch of spice rather than a dominant vanilla or toast note. Expect a clean, moderately long finish led by fruit and freshness. That acidity and low tannin make this an easy wine to pair with food. Roast chicken, duck breast, pan-seared salmon and mushroom dishes are classic matches, since the wine's earthiness and acidity suit them. It also works with pork tenderloin, charcuterie, and soft cheeses such as brie or camembert. Lean toward cranberry, cherry or mushroom sauces rather than heavy cream or aggressively spiced preparations, which can flatten a delicate red. A New England pairing worth trying is roasted turkey with the usual autumn sides. 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. Serving it too warm tends to make light reds taste soft and alcoholic, and too cold mutes the fruit. Decanting isn't necessary for a wine in this style. If the bottle seems tight when first poured, 15 to 20 minutes of air in the glass is enough. A Burgundy-style glass with a wide bowl and a tapered rim helps gather the delicate aromatics and gives the fruit room to open. For cellaring, styles like this are generally best enjoyed within a few years of the vintage while the fruit is fresh, and most bottles are made for near-term drinking rather than long aging. Check the label for the vintage, and plan to open it soon rather than set it aside for a decade.