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. — 23 days ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.4

Vintage 2013 | If Pinot Noir is good it is often great. Spicyness, sweetness, liquorice in smell. Mineral elegance in taste. Love it!!! | at Provence Zaltbommel | paired with deer morels armagnacsauce — 2 months ago

Brian F. McCabe

9.0

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

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

St. Michael-Eppan — Fallwind Riesling 2024, Alto Adige DOC, Südtirol, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A 100% Riesling from the Fallwind vineyard in Südtirol (Alto Adige), showcasing alpine precision, purity, and vibrant structure. This expression leans decisively dry, highlighting clarity of fruit and mineral tension rather than overt petrol or weight. A beautifully composed Riesling that reflects altitude, cool climate influence, and disciplined winemaking.

Aromas & Flavors
Green apple, white peach, and citrus zest open the nose, layered with subtle alpine herbs and delicate floral notes. Unlike the classic petrol-driven profiles, this wine emphasizes freshness and precision, with clean stone fruit and a fine mineral backbone.

Mouthfeel
Crisp, linear, and energetic. Bright acidity carries the palate with focus and lift, while maintaining balance and elegance. The finish is long, persistent, and refreshing without being overpowering or aggressive.

Food Pairings
Oysters, sashimi, grilled sea bass, goat cheese, Thai dishes with moderate spice, or lemon-herb chicken.

Verdict
An exemplary alpine Riesling that delivers precision, dryness, and finesse. It stands confidently apart from the traditional petrol-forward style, offering instead purity, structure, and remarkable drinkability. A sophisticated and beautifully balanced expression from a region that continues to surprise.

Did You Know?
Alto Adige’s high elevations and significant diurnal temperature shifts preserve acidity and aromatic clarity, allowing Riesling to ripen fully while retaining its crisp structure and mineral focus.

🍷 Personal Pick
This wine was a revelation, proof that Alto Adige can craft Riesling at a world-class level. Elegant, dry, and beautifully restrained, it completely expanded my appreciation for what this region can achieve with the grape. — 24 days ago

Nathan Renfro

9.6

Same comments as before, drinking so well right now. Great nose, lovely dark fruit, perfectly balanced. Great mouthfeel. Love it! — 2 months ago

Kaitlin Zappaterrini

9.3

light refreshing wine with a smooth oaky finish — 3 years ago

Tobin Spratte

9.0

As good as any from this region, with the classic dolostone and Asian pear aromas. — 7 days ago

Fabio Franchella

9.0

Aus Magnum. Erstaunliche 14.5%, wirkte aber nie alkoholisch. Gute balance zwischen frucht (gekochte zwetschgen, cassis, dunkle kirschen) und fast so prägnante tertiäraromen. Leder, Tabak, Lakritz. — 2 months ago

with Xenia

Robert Ahlstrom

9.1

Light garnet translucent, light bodied red currants an cherries, minerals, subtle tannins — 2 months ago

Fabio Franchella

9.3

Nach 9 reifejahren noch besser als beim ersten mal… — 5 months ago

with Xenia