If you’re storing the wine at room temperature, ensure that the room isn’t over 65 °F (18 °C). If it’s warmer, consider moving the wine to a cellar or basement where it’s somewhat cooler.

For the fastest way to chill pinot noir, place the bottle into a bucket of ice water for 5 minutes. If you stored the wine in a wine fridge at 55 °F (13 °C), it’s ready to serve whenever you like.

Fill the glass a third to half full so the wine can freely move in the glass.

You’ll probably smell red fruits and berries. Pinot noir is known for its cherry, berry, and plum aromas. Try to keep your mouth open as you breathe in slowly. [6] X Expert Source Samuel BogueSommelier & Wine Consultant Expert Interview. 15 January 2019.

For example, the wine might taste of sweet berries when it enters your mouth, but then the flavor may become jam-like when you swallow. When you taste the wine, you’re basically confirming the flavor profiles that you smelled before. [8] X Expert Source Samuel BogueSommelier & Wine Consultant Expert Interview. 15 January 2019.

Pinot noir from New Zealand, California, and Oregon tend to have light berry flavors. Try roasted salmon with mushrooms and pinot noir from Oregon for a tasty meal.

For example, drink an earthy pinot noir while you enjoy pancetta-wrapped chicken breasts with rosemary.

Pinot noir is known for working well with a variety of cheese, so it’s no surprise that the wine is delicious with cheesy pasta and pizza.

If you’re cooking with wine as well as drinking it, you don’t have to use the same bottle of wine. Save the more expensive wine for drinking and cook with an inexpensive bottle.

If you’d like a light vegetable appetizer with pinot noir, make bruschetta and serve it on crostini.

Remember to mark which cheese is which so your guests can tell what they’re eating.

For richer dessert, serve brownies, chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate custard, or mousse. Believe it or not, dessert wines should have a little more sugar in them than the actual dessert. [15] X Expert Source Samuel BogueSommelier & Wine Consultant Expert Interview. 15 January 2019.

For example, try a white cake with salted caramel buttercream or set out truffles with caramel centers.

Keep in mind that fruit tarts also pair well with pinot noir. Serve cherry pie, plum tart, or fig bars with the wine.