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. — 3 days ago

J Ferrugia

9.2

Well structured classic Sangiovese exhibiting dark, ripening fruit with plenty of soft spice and underlying soft tannin. This is a luscious wine from Laura Bianchi. Drink it now or wait a couple of years for more ripe dark fruit. — 9 months ago

Jonathan Warren

9.6

12 years turned this into a beautiful golden color with honey and all things mineral. A stunner — a month ago

Matt Schwartz

9.1

Bruised apple, apricot, nectarine and ripe peaches on the palate. Petrol, yuzu and lychee on the nose. Really fun and tasty! — 4 months ago

Pablo

9.2

Will be seeking this out again — 6 months ago

Neil Shah

9.2

Amazing with a medium rare ribeye. — 3 years ago

Fabio Franchella

9.3

Nach 9 reifejahren noch besser als beim ersten mal… — 4 months ago

with Zollinger

Michael Amoruso

9.3

2015 vintage. So good. Dark chocolate. Blackberry and currants. Want more! — 5 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Dark ruby core with a garnet/orange rim. Aromas of tobacco, forest floor, leather and ripe red and black fruit. Flavors of mushrooms, cranberry, black cherry and blackberry fruit on the palate with additional hints of cocoa powder and baking spices. Long, silky and smoky finish with extremely gentle tannins. Medium bodied (nicely aged) and a creamy texture. Thank you for sharing this one, Ron B! Revisited in September 2025. Outstanding wine. — 8 months ago

Duane Nicholson

9.1

Let’s qualify this statement by saying that I’m not a wine connoisseur. That said, I really enjoyed this wine. Not overly sweet and smooth.. — 4 years ago