The Wild Fighter Pinot Noir

Esplanda's The Wild Fighter Pinot Noir comes from Massachusetts, a cool-climate New England origin that is uncommon on the pinot noir shelf and worth tasting on its own terms. The details supplied don't include a vintage, ABV, vineyard or winemaking notes, so what follows describes what pinot noir from a cool, maritime-influenced region typically shows. Treat it as a guide to expect rather than a measured profile of this bottle. Pinot noir grown in cooler climates usually leans toward red-fruit character: tart cherry, cranberry and raspberry, sometimes with a little strawberry. Secondary notes such as dried leaf, forest floor, tea or light baking spice are common. The body is typically light to medium, the tannins soft and fine-grained, and the acidity bright. That acidity is the thing to look for in a Northeast pinot, since it gives the wine a fresh, savory edge rather than a heavy, jammy one. Oak, if used, is generally restrained in this style and shows up as faint vanilla or toast. The finish tends to be moderate in length and clean. At the table, this style suits dishes that match its lighter weight. Roast chicken, duck breast and pan-seared salmon are classic choices. Mushroom dishes, such as risotto or roasted portobello, echo the earthy side of the grape. Pork tenderloin with a fruit glaze and a soft cheese like brie or Gruyère also work. Since this is a New England bottle, it would also go well with roast turkey, cranberry-leaning sides and autumn root vegetables. Avoid heavily spiced or very rich red-meat dishes, which can overwhelm a delicate red. Serve it slightly cool, around 55 to 60°F (13 to 16°C). A short 15 to 20 minutes in the refrigerator before opening is usually enough for a bottle kept at room temperature. Decanting is generally not needed for a young pinot noir of this kind. If the wine seems tight when first poured, 10 to 15 minutes in the glass will open it up. A Burgundy-style glass with a wide bowl and a tapered rim concentrates the delicate aromatics better than a narrow all-purpose red glass. With no vintage or cellaring guidance supplied, plan to drink this bottle soon, while the fruit and acidity are at their liveliest, rather than holding it for years.