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

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Aged for 15 months in French oak, deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruit and floral spice. On the palate flavors of blackberry and ripe cherry fruit with cedar, vanilla and black pepper spice. Firm full tannins, medium length ending with fruit and spice. — 2 years 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

Michael Amoruso

9.3

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

sasha

9.1

CW. A bit tight the first night, a clean and pure representation of torrontes the second night. — 10 months ago

Neil Shah

9.2

Amazing with a medium rare ribeye. — 3 years 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

Jason Friedman

9.1

Nice, simple, fruity, and smooth. I feel it is significantly under-rated by the score above. To me this is a 90-91. It’s not complex but it’s damn good and an utter steal for $9.99 — 9 months ago

Mike Scott

9.7

I loved this. Opened it with Italian food and it was a perfect accompaniment. It’s got a good depth of flavour on its own, but definitely great with pasta or cheese etc. Yummy. — 3 years ago