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. — 4 months ago
Pineal d'aunis — 2 years ago
Bright, light Pinot Nero with delicate tart cherry notes. — 4 years ago
Great Italian Pinot with a long cherry aftertaste, really nice blackberry flavored and earthy taste. This worked really well with Moroccan spiced chicken fire roasted eggplant and couscous. — 5 years ago
A magnum is always a magnum! — 6 months ago
Light Trentino red (Pinot Nero) with cherry notes and medium tannin, enjoyed with meatballs at Gigi’s, South End, Boston — 8 months ago
The 2020 Pinot Nero is such a pretty and finessed varietal expression that mixes alpine herbs with wild strawberries and crushed rocks. It’s elegant with silky textures that usher in masses of lavender-tinged black cherries and spices, as juicy acidity maintains fantastic balance. The 2020 leaves a coating of fruit concentration along with sweet tannins that add a gentle grip, promising a steady evolution. That said, there is no harm in drinking this today. (Eric Guido, Vinous, June 2022)
— 4 years ago
Dry and round seems to be the tone. — 5 years ago
Juicy and fresh, very drinkable at Il Carciofo Chicago — 2 months ago
80/20 of Pinot Nero & Chardonnay, Methode ancestrale w disgorgement 3/24. Alot of wine-strong yellow fruit, hazelnut notes, for about 25$. Paired w a cheese platter w true Serrano ham, & which included Garda, an alpine cheese from Lombardy & a heavenly match was born. — 3 months ago
Abbazia di Novacella – Pinot Nero 2021
Alto Adige DOC – Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview:
From one of Europe’s northernmost vineyards, this Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) reflects the cool-climate precision of Alto Adige. Crafted by Abbazia di Novacella, a historic monastery estate dating back to the 12th century.
Aromas & Flavors:
Fresh red berries lead the way, cranberry, wild strawberry, and a hint of red currant. Subtle herbal notes and a whisper of spice frame the fruit beautifully.
Mouthfeel:
Light-bodied, crisp, and refreshingly acidic, with silky tannins and a clean, vibrant finish. This is a bright, lifted expression of Pinot Nero, leaning on freshness rather than weight.
Food Pairings:
Perfect with grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or lighter pasta dishes. It also shines alongside charcuterie and alpine cheeses.
Verdict:
A lively, refreshing Pinot Nero that captures Alto Adige’s alpine terroir with finesse. Elegant and approachable, with just enough complexity to keep each sip engaging. Cheers!
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
Enjoyable slightly cooled, this Pinot Nero doubles as a versatile red for warmer days, a wonderful alpine expression that drinks beautifully outside the usual Pinot Noir framework. — 9 months ago
Gréât with BBQ Dinner — 4 years ago
Wine pairing with Juniper tasting menu — 5 years ago
Very good. Sugar just right — 6 years ago
Somm David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
A place Sofia and I visited in September 2015. Not prosecco, made in the traditional method.
#Rememberence
#Sofia
6/25/21 — 7 days ago