What kind of wine is Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano' 2017 Magnum - Hofstätter (wooden case)
The Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano' 2017 Magnum - Hofstätter comes from one of the most renowned crus in Alto Adige, in the heart of the Barthenau estate, in Mazon. It is an elegant and territorial Pinot Noir, capable of expressing all the character of its place of origin. The vines, some over 65 years old, sink their roots into clay and limestone soils, giving the wine depth and balance. In a Magnum format, stored in its wooden case, this wine offers a refined experience, ideal for special occasions or for those who wish to enrich their cellar.
Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage, characterized by an initially warm and dry climate, ensured perfectly ripe and concentrated grapes. The temperature fluctuations between day and night, typical of the Mazon area, favored the development of intense aromas and a fine tannic structure. The result is a Pinot Noir with a balanced, harmonious, and remarkably personal profile.
Winemaking and Aging
The winemaking of the Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano' 2017 Magnum - Hofstätter follows traditional methods. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, with a long maceration on the skins to extract color and aromas. Subsequently, the wine is aged for about 12 months in oak barriques and then transferred to large wooden barrels for another 8 months. A further 8 months of aging in the bottle completes its evolution, giving it elegance and aromatic complexity.
Tasting Notes
A wine with unmistakable charm, which captivates with its balance and finesse. Here's how it presents itself in the glass:
Color
Visually, it displays a brilliant ruby red with garnet reflections, a sign of maturity and longevity.
Nose
On the nose, complex and enveloping aromas are recognized: notes of ripe cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, followed by spicy hints of cinnamon, cloves, and a delicate balsamic touch. The bouquet develops in the glass, revealing floral nuances and a slight trace of vanilla.
Palate
On the palate, it is harmonious and profound. The sip is distinguished by its elegant structure, fine and velvety tannins, and a long and refined persistence. It finishes with a pleasant mineral note, faithfully reflecting the Alto Adige terroir.
Food Pairings for Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano' 2017 Magnum - Hofstätter (wooden case)
This Pinot Noir is extremely versatile at the table, ideal for accompanying dishes with strong personality as well as simpler cuisines. It pairs perfectly with:
- Delicate red meats, such as beef fillet or tagliata
- Game bird dishes, such as duck or pheasant
- Aged and aromatic cheeses
- Pasta with mushroom sauces or truffle risottos
Thanks to its elegance and Magnum format, it is particularly suitable for convivial occasions and important dinners, where the pleasure of wine intertwines with sharing.
Storage and Aging: How to store Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano' 2017 Magnum - Hofstätter (wooden case)
To best preserve this wine, it is advisable to keep it in a cool, dark place, at a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C, with controlled humidity and away from sources of vibration. The Magnum format and the presence of the wooden case favor its stability over time, making it ideal for long aging in the cellar as well.
Over the years, the Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano' 2017 Magnum - Hofstätter can develop further aromatic nuances, evolving towards more complex and refined tertiary notes. A wine to be carefully preserved, capable of delivering emotions even many years after the harvest.
Hofstätter
The History of the Hofstätter Winery The Hofstätter winery, nestled in the heart of South Tyrol, is synonymous with tradition and evolution in the Italian wine scene. Founded in 1907, it represents a stronghold of historical heritage enriched by continuous innovations that have transformed wine p...
How to best open and serve Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano' 2017 Magnum - Hofstätter (wooden box)
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano' 2017 Magnum - Hofstätter (wooden box), position it upright for at least 24 hours. This allows the natural sediment of aged wines to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing with the wine during pouring. If the bottle has been stored horizontally, carefully lift it without shaking.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The optimal temperature to appreciate the elegant and complex notes of Pinot Noir is 16-18°C. Avoid serving it too cold, which would flatten its aromas, or too warm, which would overemphasize the alcohol. If the bottle is stored in a cellar at a lower temperature, let it rest at room temperature for about 30-40 minutes before serving.
3. Opening the Bottle
To open an aged Magnum like this, follow these steps:
- Cut the capsule below the neck ring with a sommelier knife.
- Carefully clean the bottle neck with a clean cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew slowly and straight to avoid crumbling the cork, which may be fragile.
- Gently extract the cork, avoiding jolts. In case of a fragile or damaged cork, use a long-lever corkscrew or a twin-prong cork puller.
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening the bottle, smell the cork: it should have a clean and pleasant aroma. Pour a small quantity of wine into the glass for the first taste. Check that the color is brilliant and that there are no oxidized hints or defects like cork taint on the nose. If the bouquet is ample and fresh, the wine is ready for decanting.
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
The Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano' 2017 Magnum - Hofstätter (wooden box) greatly benefits from decanting. Slowly pour the wine into a wide decanter, keeping the bottle tilted and ensuring that the sediment remains inside. For a 2017 vintage, it is advisable to let it oxygenate for 45-60 minutes, allowing the aromas of ripe red fruits, delicate spices, and balsamic notes typical of Alto Adige Pinot Noir to fully express themselves.
6. Serving
Use large tulip-shaped or balloon glasses, which promote oxygenation and aromatic perception of the wine. Fill them only one-third full to allow for proper aeration. Serve the wine with elegant dishes such as white meats, light game, or aged cheeses, to enhance its harmony and complexity.
7. Storage after Opening
If not consumed completely, reseal the bottle with an airtight stopper and store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24-48 hours. Before serving again, bring it back to room temperature. Avoid exposure to light or heat sources. For longer storage, inert gas devices or a vacuum pump can be used.