What kind of wine is Alto Adige Pinot Nero Riserva DOC 'Puntay' 2022 - Erste + Neue

The Alto Adige Pinot Nero Riserva DOC 'Puntay' 2022 - Erste + Neue is an elegant red wine born in the heart of Alto Adige, one of Italy's most suitable areas for Pinot Noir. Produced by Erste + Neue, a historic winery in Caldaro, it perfectly represents the balance between alpine freshness and the softness of the grape variety.

Pinot Noir (or “Blauburgunder” in German) is a thin-skinned grape variety capable of expressing wines of finesse, aroma, and remarkable personality. The Riserva “Puntay” version stands out for its harmonious body, silky tannins, and a structure that combines elegance and depth.

Vintage details

The 2022 vintage was characterized by a warm summer well-balanced by fresh day-night temperature excursions, typical of the Alto Adige valleys. This thermal contrast favored the full aromatic maturation of the grapes, while maintaining good natural acidity. The result is a wine with an ideal balance between concentration and freshness, perfect for expressing the varietal nuances of Pinot Noir.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes are hand-picked and vinified with great care to preserve the delicacy of the fruit. Fermentation takes place in steel, with careful maceration on the skins to extract color and aromas without excessive tannins. Subsequently, the wine ages for 15 months in oak barriques, followed by a further period of refinement in the bottle. This process confers aromatic complexity and a perfect balance between the fruit and the spicy notes of the wood.

Tasting notes

A Pinot Noir that fascinates with its harmonious character and the pleasant elegance it expresses with every sip.

Color

Visually, it presents a beautiful bright ruby red color, with slight garnet nuances typical of wood aging.

Nose

On the nose, it opens with clear aromas of ripe cherry, berries, and light notes of sweet spices and vanilla, enriched by nuances of undergrowth and fine wood. It is a complex yet well-balanced bouquet, immediately inviting to taste.

Taste

On the palate, it offers a velvety texture, soft and well-integrated tannins, and a long, balanced finish. The finish is elegant, with hints of red fruit and a slight toasted note due to barrel aging. A wine with medium body and great finesse, ideal for those seeking a balanced and characterful Pinot Noir.

Food pairings for Alto Adige Pinot Nero Riserva DOC 'Puntay' 2022 - Erste + Neue

This Pinot Noir is extremely versatile and pairs well with numerous white and red meat dishes. It marries magnificently with:

• Noble poultry such as duck or guinea fowl
• Feathered game, in light or baked preparations
• Veal or pork in a delicate sauce
• First courses with mushrooms or game ragu
• Semi-hard cheeses of medium aging

A wine to enjoy throughout the meal, especially with autumnal and convivial dishes, where its elegance enhances every course.

Storage and aging: how to store Alto Adige Pinot Nero Riserva DOC 'Puntay' 2022 - Erste + Neue wine

To best preserve the qualities of Pinot Nero Riserva “Puntay” 2022, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place free from temperature fluctuations. The ideal storage temperature is around 12°C, with good humidity and bottles kept horizontally to keep the cork moist.

Thanks to its elegant structure and the quality of its aging, it can happily evolve in the bottle for 5-8 years, developing more complex notes of spices, leather, and spirits-infused fruit. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C, after a brief decanting, to fully appreciate its aromatic intensity and softness.