What kind of wine is Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Ludwig Barth Von Barthenau Vigna Roccolo' 2018 - Hofstätter (wooden box)

The Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Ludwig Barth Von Barthenau Vigna Roccolo' 2018 - Hofstätter (wooden box) is an elegant and complex red wine, an authentic expression of the Mazon terroir, one of the most renowned areas in Alto Adige for Pinot Noir cultivation. It originates from Hofstätter's historic cru, Vigna Roccolo, where decades-old vines – some over seventy years old – yield grapes of extraordinary concentration and aromatic depth. This is a wine with a refined yet enveloping body, capable of combining freshness and structure, elegance and personality, representing one of Hofstätter winery's most iconic labels.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions in Alto Adige: mild temperatures and good temperature fluctuations favored a slow and steady ripening of the Pinot Noir. The grapes, hand-harvested at the end of September, reached an ideal level of ripeness, giving the wine a complex and harmonious aromatic profile, with silky tannins and a lively freshness that enhances its overall finesse.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking process for Pinot Nero Vigna Roccolo follows an approach that respects the grapes and the territory. After destemming, fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats at controlled temperatures, with a brief maceration on the skins to gently extract color and aromas. Aging occurs for about 18 months in small French oak barrels, followed by another 6 months in large barrels, and then concludes with a year of rest in the bottle. This long aging process gives the wine aromatic complexity, balance, and finesse.

Tasting Notes

Each stage of tasting the Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Ludwig Barth Von Barthenau Vigna Roccolo' 2018 - Hofstätter tells a story of elegance and depth.

Color

It presents with a brilliant ruby red color, with slight garnet reflections that indicate its maturity. Clear and luminous, it immediately invites the first taste.

Nose

On the nose, it offers a refined and complex bouquet, with hints of ripe red fruits like cherry and raspberry, intertwined with delicate spicy notes and slightly toasted tones derived from the wood. Floral aromas and hints of undergrowth also emerge, typical of a high-class Pinot Noir.

Palate

On the palate, it is fine and enveloping. The attack is soft, supported by an elegant structure and well-integrated tannins. Balanced between freshness and softness, it stands out for its long aromatic persistence, leaving a pleasantly velvety sensation on the palate.

Food Pairings for Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Ludwig Barth Von Barthenau Vigna Roccolo' 2018 - Hofstätter (wooden box)

This Pinot Noir finds its perfect balance when paired with refined but not overly structured dishes. Ideal with:

• Delicate red meats, such as beef fillet or sirloin;
• Flavorful white meats, such as guinea fowl or roasted duck;
• Feathered game and mushroom-based dishes;
• Aged hard cheeses, served at room temperature.

It is also a meditation wine, perfect to enjoy on its own, during a moment of relaxation or a special occasion.

Storage and Aging: How to store Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC 'Ludwig Barth Von Barthenau Vigna Roccolo' 2018 - Hofstätter (wooden box)

To preserve the qualities of this wine over time, it is important to store it correctly. The bottle should be kept horizontally, in a cool, dark environment, with a constant temperature around 12-14°C and controlled humidity. The original wooden box helps protect the wine from light and temperature fluctuations, promoting a harmonious evolution. Thanks to its structure and the quality of the grapes, the Vigna Roccolo 2018 has excellent aging potential: it can be left to age in the cellar for over 10 years, developing even more complex aromas and an increasingly velvety texture over time.