Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Sanct Valentin Pinot Noir Riserva 2022 — Alto Adige DOC, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Produced by St. Michael-Eppan Winery under the prestigious Sanct Valentin line, this 100% Pinot Noir comes from the cool alpine vineyards of Alto Adige. The region’s dramatic temperature swings between warm days and cool nights help preserve acidity while allowing slow, balanced ripening. The 2022 vintage presents a refined and fresh expression of Pinot Noir, showcasing purity, elegance, and Alpine precision.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh red cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry, and subtle cranberry notes dominate the aromatic profile. Gentle floral hints mingle with delicate spice and a faint earthy undertone that emerges as the wine opens in the glass.

Mouthfeel
Bright acidity drives the wine forward, giving it freshness and lift. The body sits in the medium-light range with soft, fine-grained tannins and a smooth texture. The finish is clean, refreshing, and elegant.

Food Pairings
This Pinot Noir shines alongside food thanks to its lively acidity and delicate structure. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, duck breast, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or a simple charcuterie board with prosciutto and semi-aged cheeses where the wine’s freshness complements savory flavors without overpowering them.

Verdict
A charming and elegant Pinot Noir that emphasizes balance and drinkability rather than sheer power. Its freshness, clarity of fruit, and Alpine character make it a delightful and versatile wine.

Did You Know?
Pinot Noir has been cultivated in Alto Adige since the mid-19th century, and today the region is considered one of Italy’s finest areas for the grape thanks to its high-elevation vineyards and cool Alpine climate.

🍷 Personal Pick
A beautifully fresh Pinot Noir that impressed with its lively acidity and simplicity done right, delicate, delicious, and very easy to enjoy. — 12 days ago

Lance E. Farman

9.2

Rips yet lean. Excellent — 6 months ago

Steve Rura

9.1

I’ve had Wegelin’s Brut and Chardonnay before, but this is my first red (Blauburgunder = Pinot Noir). Very nice! Quite closed and overly young at first, but it starts to open quickly. Tart cherry and currant, focused acidity and mineral dryness. Medium body, 13% abv. Tasting it with Bresaola, which is similar to Bündnerfleisch from Graubünden. Perfect pairing! Will see how this develops. @Lyle Fass

Follow up a couple hours later: the fruit shows much more with dry blueberries and raspberries under the acidity. Prime drinking after 3+ hours. — a year ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.6

The nose immediately pulls you in. Just spellbinding. Insane florals and black cherry plus mid season red cherries and crazy spice. Cranberry bog and mashed blackberries as well. Just a stunning nose. 9.7. Palate starts off with some pokey acid but there is an engaging suppleness underneath and a gorgeous plush texture. Soft yet firm like a great mattress. Wow the black cherry on the nose is super elite. Textured, juicy and really coming into its own. The fruit on the palate is outrageous and top top notch. The nose gets herbal with loads of Swiss alpine love and unreal clarity. The texture is like a pillow and the fruit presentation on the palate is just next level. So silky like the most silky I have had less Brisset. Stunning wine. Curious to see where it goes but right now it’s blowing my mind. After 5 hours open the nose is buzzing with herbs, cherry skins and luscious cherry fruit that is all red. Glorious, Nose still a 9.7, but closer to a 9.8 now. Palate is silkier but also a bit closer, which these wines tend to do. Go through a closed phase like this and re-emerge. Let’s see what tomorrow brings. — 2 months ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.6

Have not had since the estate and wow this is insane. Unreal spice and mineral force. Overwhelming aromas and stunning wet earth. The gout de terroir is unreal. The decadence yet restraint is unreal. I could smell all day. Cherries on cherries on cherries. Cranberry bog, some light red currants. Just insane. Unreal finesse. Wow! Huge fruit soak and density. Massive structure and so pure. This always needs air and wow will this come alive after some air. Just stunning. 9.6 out of the gates. This got amazing after 2-3 hours and was all silk and satin with squeegee levels of red and black cherry fruit. I bet it will be even better tonight. — 3 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

8.9

Vintage 2021 | introverted smell, good structure — a year ago

Fabio Franchella

9.1

Locanda Marco, Bellinzona. Mit Mirco Nimis und Eros — 3 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

8.9

Vintage 2022 | — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Medium Ruby color with aromas of berry fruits and spicy notes. On the palate flavors of cherry, raspberry and red plum with pepper spice, floral and herbs. Fine tannins, medium finish ending with fruit, spice and earthy mineral character. Nice now! — 5 months ago

Justin Farrar

9.1

A bit expensive for what it is, but very nice — 9 months ago