What kind of wine is Alto Adige Pinot Nero Riserva DOC 'Lehmont' 2021 - St.Pauls?

The Alto Adige Pinot Nero Riserva DOC “Lehmont” 2021 - St.Pauls is an elegant and refined red wine that perfectly interprets the character of the Alto Adige territory. Produced with pure Pinot Nero grapes from vines approximately thirty years old, it represents one of the most typical and fascinating expressions of this variety in Northern Italy. The Alto Adige DOC designation guarantees the origin and quality of the grapes, while the Riserva mention indicates a longer aging period compared to the basic version, resulting in a more complex, profound, and round taste.

The body of the “Lehmont” is medium-structured, harmonious, and supported by an ideal balance between freshness and softness. It is a wine that successfully combines aromatic finesse, elegance, and persistent taste, typical of high-altitude Pinot Nero.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage in Alto Adige was characterized by a balanced climate with marked temperature variations between day and night, a perfect condition for the maturation of Pinot Nero. The grapes destined for Lehmont are harvested by hand at the optimal moment, preserving their natural acidity and ensuring intense aromatic concentration. The vineyards, located between 400 and 500 meters above sea level on morainic soils rich in silt and sand, give the wine finesse and remarkable mineral complexity.

Winemaking and Aging

The vinification of Alto Adige Pinot Nero Riserva DOC “Lehmont” 2021 - St.Pauls follows a careful and respectful approach to the raw material. After a cold maceration of about a week, which gently extracts color and aromas from the skins, the must ferments in open wooden vats. This technique facilitates controlled fermentation and better oxygenation of the wine. Subsequently, aging takes place for about 15 months in tonneaux and barriques, small oak barrels that impart roundness, elegance, and slight spicy notes.

Tasting Notes

The “Lehmont” is a Pinot Nero that wins you over with its balance, harmony, and ability to express its territory of origin. Every sip tells of the stylistic precision and care with which St.Pauls interprets this variety.

Color

In the glass, it presents a brilliant and luminous ruby red color, with slightly garnet reflections due to aging. The typical transparency of Pinot Nero reveals its elegance and depth.

Nose

The nose is fine and complex, with aromas ranging from small red fruits – such as cherry, raspberry, and currant – to delicate floral notes of violet and spicy hints of vanilla and cocoa from the wood. Over time in the glass, mineral nuances and a slight balsamic touch also emerge.

Taste

On the palate, it is harmonious, silky, and balanced. The tannins, the natural substances that give astringency and structure to the wine, are soft and well integrated. The freshness accompanies a long and persistent finish, with a pleasant return of red fruit and sweet spices.

What dishes to pair with Alto Adige Pinot Nero Riserva DOC 'Lehmont' 2021 - St.Pauls

Versatile and refined, this Pinot Nero Riserva pairs easily with many Italian and international dishes. It expresses itself best with:

• Roasted or stewed white meats, such as chicken, guinea fowl, or rabbit;
• Delicate red meat main courses, such as oven-baked veal or beef fillets;
• Dishes based on mushrooms or truffles, which enhance its aromatic component;
• Semi-aged or soft cheeses, for a harmonious contrast between savoriness and softness.

Also perfect to enjoy on its own, as a meditation wine, thanks to its elegant complexity.

Storage and Aging: How to store Alto Adige Pinot Nero Riserva DOC 'Lehmont' 2021 - St.Pauls wine

To best preserve the characteristics of this Pinot Nero Riserva, it is advisable to store it horizontally in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature of around 12-14°C and controlled humidity. The bottle should not be subjected to sudden temperature changes or direct light exposure.

Thanks to its balanced structure and the quality of aging in wood, the “Lehmont” 2021 offers an aging potential of 6-8 years, during which it will develop increasingly complex and refined evolutionary notes. A wine capable of telling its origin and the skilled hand of the St.Pauls winery over time.