It is a well-known fact that wine should be stored in a dark, cool place. But what about Pinot Noir? How should this unique varietal be stored in order to maintain its flavor and aroma? In this article, we will explore how to store Pinot Noir so that you can enjoy its complex flavors for years to come.
The Right Bottle
If you’re planning on storing your Pinot Noir red wine for any length of time, it’s important to invest in a good quality bottle. Look for a wine bottle that is made of thick glass and has a well-sealed cork. Avoid bottles with screw tops, as these are more likely to let oxygen in and spoil the white wine.
The Right Location
When it comes to storage, location is key. The ideal location for storing Pinot Noir is in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity levels. Avoid wine coolers and places that are prone to fluctuations, such as basements or attics. If you don’t have a dedicated storage space, a closet or pantry that doesn’t get much sunlight or heat exposure will do.
The Right Conditions
In addition to finding the right location, it’s important to create the right conditions for storing your Pinot Noir. The ideal temperature for storing red wine is between 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit, with 55% humidity or 8-12°C. If your home doesn’t naturally meet these conditions, you can use a storing wine cooler or wine refrigerator to create the perfect environment.
The Right Humidity
Maintaining the right humidity level is critical for storing Pinot Noir. Too much humidity can cause the wine to spoil, while too little can cause the cork to dry out and allow oxygen to enter the bottle. The best way to maintain the proper humidity level is to use a wine humidifier or a cool-mist humidifier.
The Right Temperature
As we mentioned earlier, the ideal storage temperature for Pinot Noir is between 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit or 8-12°C. If your home doesn’t have a naturally cool environment, you can use a wine cooler or wine refrigerator to maintain the proper temperature. Just be sure not to store your wine in the fridge, as this can actually cause it to spoil faster.
The Right Time
When it comes to how long you can store Pinot Noir, it really depends on the quality of the wine. Generally speaking, lower-quality wines are meant to be consumed within a year or two, while higher-quality red wines can be stored for up to ten years. Of course, the best way to know how long your Pinot Noir will last is to taste it periodically and make a note of when it starts to lose its flavor.
Factors to Avoid When Storing Pinot Noir
There are a few things to avoid when storing Pinot Noir in order to maintain its flavor and aroma. The first is fluctuating temperature levels. Avoid storing your wine in places that are prone to fluctuations, such as basements or attics. The second is direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause the wine to spoil and the bottle to heat up, which can damage the flavor and aroma of the wine. Finally, avoid storing your wine near appliances that generate heat, such as ovens or microwaves.
Top Ranked Pinot Noir Wines
Now that you know how to store Pinot Noir, it’s time to choose a bottle. Here are some of the top-ranked Pinot Noir wines from around the world:
Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir – Oregon, United States
The Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvee Pinot Noir is a world-renowned Pinot Noir wine from Oregon, United States. This wine has been awarded multiple accolades, including a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Wine Competition. If you’re looking for a delicious and complex Pinot Noir to store in your wine collection, the Domaine Serene Yamhill Cuvee is a great choice.
The wine is available here for Europe and North America.
Joseph Drouhin Clos des Mouches – Burgundy, France
The Joseph Drouhin Clos des Mouches is a Pinot Noir wine from Burgundy, France. This wine is made with grapes from the Clos des Mouches vineyard, which is one of the most prestigious vineyards in all of Burgundy. The Joseph Drouhin Clos des Mouches has a complex flavor profile with notes of cherry, strawberry, and spice. If you’re looking for a truly special Pinot Noir to add to your collection, the Joseph Drouhin Clos des Mouches is a great option.
The Joseph Drouhin wines are available here for Europe and North America.
M. Chapoutier Belleruche – Rhone Valley, France
The M. Chapoutier Belleruche is a Pinot Noir wine from the Rhone Valley in France. This wine is made with grapes from the prestigious Les Bessards vineyard, which is known for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir wines in the world. The M. Chapoutier Belleruche has a complex flavor profile with notes of blackberry, cherry, and spice. If you’re looking for a delicious and well-rounded Pinot Noir to add to your collection, the M. Chapoutier Belleruche is a great choice.
In case you`re able to visit the Chapoutier winery in Tain l`Hermitage we highly recommend to go to their shop where you can taste their entire wine range.
Bodega Norton Reserva – Mendoza, Argentina
The Bodega Norton Reserva is a Pinot Noir wine from Mendoza, Argentina. This wine is made with grapes from the Vista Flores vineyard, which is known for its high-quality Pinot Noir wines. The Bodega Norton Reserva has a fruity flavor profile with notes of cherry and raspberry. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-drinking Pinot Noir to add to your collection, the Bodega Norton Reserva is a great choice.
Thei wines can be found here
Tasmanian Winemakers Federation Reserve – Tasmania, Australia
The Tasmanian Winemakers Federation Reserve is a Pinot Noir wine from Tasmania, Australia. This wine is made with grapes from the Coal River Valley, which is known for its cool climate and high-quality Pinot Noir wines. The Tasmanian Winemakers Federation Reserve has a fruity flavor profile with notes of cherry and strawberry. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-drinking Pinot Noir to add to your collection, the Tasmanian Winemakers Federation Reserve is a great choice.
Tips and Tricks for Storing Pinot Noir
Now that you know how to store Pinot Noir and some of the top-ranked Pinot Noir wines from around the world, here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when you store wine:
- Store your Pinot Noir in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature levels.
- Avoid storing your wine near appliances that generate heat or in places that are prone to temperature fluctuations.
- When opening a bottle of Pinot Noir, be sure to decant it into a carafe or decanter. This avoids damage to the flavor and aroma of the wine.
- Be sure to check the fill level of your bottle before storing it away. Too much air can cause the wine to spoil.
- If you’re planning on drinking your Pinot Noir within a year or two, it’s best to keep it stored in a wine refrigerator.
- For long-term storage, be sure to store your Pinot Noir in a wine cellar or wine fridge.
Pinot Noir food pairing guide
Now that you know how to store and serve Pinot Noir the next step will be how to pair it with food. Does it even match to your favorite dish? We`ve put together an extensive guide on which dishes match well with Pinot Noir. To show you the versatility of Pinot Noir you can pair it your starter, main cource or even your dessert. If we`ve missed a pairing please point it out to us. Enjoy!
| Wine | Varietal | Country | Food | Course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Conclusion
Now that you know how to store Pinot Noir, it’s time to choose a bottle. There are many delicious and well-made Pinot Noir wines from all over the world. Choose a wine that appeals to your personal taste and add it to your collection. With proper storage, your Pinot Noir will stay fresh and flavorful for years to come. Cheers!
