En Route Russian River Pinot Noir

En Route Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is a dry, medium-bodied red from one of Sonoma County's best-known cool-climate Pinot Noir districts, made by the Far Niente family of wineries. The style leans on bright red fruit and soft spice, and the structure is balanced rather than heavy. Expect cherry and raspberry at the centre, with the supple, gently spiced character that Russian River Pinot Noir is known for. The tannins in wines like this are usually fine and soft, and the acidity is fresh enough to keep the fruit lively. Pinot Noir from this valley typically has a silky texture and moderate alcohol, and oak is generally used to frame the fruit instead of dominating it. If you notice a little toast or vanilla behind the fruit, that is the expected role of the barrel. The finish in this style tends to be medium in length, with the spice lingering after the fruit fades. Because it is built for balance and not for power, it is easy to match with food and easy to drink on its own. That versatility is the main reason to reach for it at the table. Roast chicken, duck breast, pork tenderloin and salmon all suit the acidity and light tannin, as do mushroom dishes, lentils and roasted root vegetables. It also handles charcuterie and softer cheeses such as Brie, Camembert or young Gruyère without overwhelming them. Heavily spiced or very rich red-meat dishes are better left to a bigger wine. Serve it slightly cooler than room temperature, around 55 to 60°F (13 to 16°C). Twenty minutes in the refrigerator before opening usually gets it there. Decanting is not necessary, though a short rest in the glass or a brief pour into a decanter can open the aromas if the bottle has just been chilled. A Burgundy-style glass with a wide bowl and a tapered rim concentrates the red-fruit aromas best. This is a bottle to drink now and over the next few years, when the fruit is at its freshest. It is made for current enjoyment, not for long cellaring.