Med Bag of Chips

Ham, cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, and arugula.

Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Sliced turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mustard in a whole wheat wrap.

Fit Turkey Wrap

Place the bottle of Pinot Noir in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before serving if it has been stored at room temperature. Ideal serving temperature for Central Coast Pinot Noir is 55–60°F (13–16°C). Do not over-chill; the wine should be slightly cool but not cold.

Chill to serving temperature

Remove the foil and wipe the bottle top with a clean cloth. Use a corkscrew to gently remove the cork, avoiding pushing it into the bottle. Hold the bottle steady and remove the cork straight out to minimize agitation.

Inspect and open

Pour the wine slowly into a decanter or large glass carafe. Decanting for 15–30 minutes will help open the aromas and soften tannins; gently pour in a steady stream until about three-quarters full. If you prefer not to decant, allow the opened bottle to sit for 10–15 minutes to breathe in the glass.

Decant (optional)

Pour a small tasting amount into a glass, swirl gently, and inhale to evaluate aromas. If the wine still seems tight or closed, allow another 10–15 minutes in the decanter or bottle. If the wine is at the right aroma and flavor profile, proceed to serve.

Taste and adjust

Pour 4–6 oz (120–180 ml) per serving into Burgundy-style glasses, filling to the widest bowl so the aromas concentrate. Hold the glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine. Encourage guests to swirl gently and sniff before tasting to appreciate the Pinot Noir’s bouquet.

Serve

Remove soft cheeses from refrigeration 20–30 minutes before serving to bring them to room temperature for best texture and flavor. Arrange sliced hard cheese and charcuterie on a board, separating items so flavors don’t blend. Provide small knives for cheeses.

Prepare cheeses and charcuterie

Slice the crusty bread or arrange crackers on the board. Rinse and gently dry grapes or sliced fruit; arrange them in small clusters around the cheeses. Place the board near the decanted wine so guests can pair bites with sips.

Arrange bread/crackers and fruit

Suggest pairings: the soft cheese complements the wine’s red fruit and silkiness; aged hard cheese pairs with deeper savory notes; charcuterie adds salt and fat that accentuate Pinot’s acidity. Taste small bites between sips to explore complementary flavors.

Pair and enjoy

Pinot Noir (MacMurray Ranch, Central Coast)

Red wine decanter or large glass carafe

Wine glasses (Burgundy style recommended)

Soft cheese (Brie or Camembert), sliced

Aged hard cheese (Comté or Manchego), sliced

Charcuterie (sliced prosciutto or salami)

Crusty bread or crackers

Fresh fruit (grapes, figs or pears), sliced/arranged

PINOT NOIR MacMurray Ranch

Make PINOT NOIR MacMurray Ranch Recipe in just 40m. Central Coast

PINOT NOIR MacMurray Ranch

Descriptors

Tasting Notes

Food Pairings

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