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. — 24 days ago

Lydia Barnett

9.0

Omg so delicious! — 10 months ago

Brian F. McCabe

9.0

Light, dry, but in a good way. — 3 years ago

Tobin Spratte

9.0

As good as any from this region, with the classic dolostone and Asian pear aromas. — 8 days ago

Michael Amoruso

9.1

And now for something different…
Minerality, yellow plums. Nice acidity and finish. — 5 months ago

sasha

8.9

SMdC. 15€. Outstanding the first night with balanced Apple and straw notes with beautiful acidity. Sour the second night — 7 months ago

Doug Powers

9.0

Super crisp, clean, refreshing Italian Pinot Grigio, great balance, most interesting is its 14.0% ABV, it tastes like 12.5% at most, medium texture, medium-long finish, very fine!! — a year ago

with Jim

Clay Bullwinkel

9.3

Great! Alpine minerals, herbs, crisp acidity. — a month ago

Chris Buggy

9.1

Last bottle in the house! Alpine grüner, yes please. Crisp, floral, mineral. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

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. — 5 months ago