What kind of wine is Valle d’Aosta Pinot Nero DOC 'Semel Pater' 2023 - Anselmet

The Valle d’Aosta Pinot Nero DOC 'Semel Pater' 2023 - Anselmet is one of the iconic wines of Maison Anselmet, a label produced in only 4,000 bottles that reflects the family's dedication and passion for mountain viticulture. This Pinot Noir is born among the terraces of the Aosta Valley, where the altitude and alpine climate give the wine elegance, freshness, and great aromatic finesse. Dedicated by Giorgio Anselmet to his father Renato, “Semel Pater” – literally “once father” – is an affectionate and authentic tribute to family tradition and the character of those who made this winery a benchmark for quality and territorial identity.

Vintage details

The 2023 vintage in Valle d’Aosta was characterized by a balanced climate, with warm but ventilated summers and good temperature variations between day and night. These conditions favored a slow and complete ripening of the Pinot Noir grapes, preserving intense aromas and excellent natural acidity. The result is a wine with a fresh, fragrant, and deeply territorial profile, with a harmonious balance between fruit and structure.

Winemaking and aging

The Valle d’Aosta Pinot Nero DOC 'Semel Pater' 2023 - Anselmet is created from a careful selection of the best bunches. Fermentation and maceration take place in stainless steel at a controlled temperature (8-10 °C) to best preserve the primary aromas of the grape variety. Subsequently, the wine matures for about 18 months in small French oak barriques, which enrich its olfactory complexity and delicately soften the tannins. A short period of bottle aging completes the work, delivering a Pinot Noir of great balance and depth.

Tasting notes

Color

Visually, it presents a bright and subtle ruby red, typical of Pinot Noir, with slight garnet hues that anticipate its elegance.

Nose

The bouquet is refined and complex: notes of cherry, wild strawberry, and raspberry intertwine with delicate hints of sweet spices, undergrowth, and a slight toastiness derived from wood aging. The ensemble is harmonious, never overwhelming, and immediately invites a sip.

Palate

On the palate, it reveals a medium but well-defined structure, with fine and velvety tannins. The freshness accompanies each sip, providing persistence and balance. The finish is long and clean, with a return of red fruits and slight spicy notes that amplify its elegance.

Pairing suggestions for Valle d’Aosta Pinot Nero DOC 'Semel Pater' 2023 - Anselmet

This Pinot Noir is an extremely versatile wine at the table. Thanks to its elegance and pleasant acidity, it pairs perfectly with:

• white meat dishes, such as rabbit or herb-roasted chicken;
• medium-aged cheeses, such as Fontina or Toma Valdostana;
• typical mountain cuisine dishes, including polenta with mushrooms or light stews.

Also excellent with first courses featuring game ragù or porcini mushrooms, it proves to be a wine capable of enhancing the aromas of autumn cuisine.

Storage and aging

How to store Valle d’Aosta Pinot Nero DOC 'Semel Pater' 2023 - Anselmet to maintain its quality? It is recommended to store it in a cool place, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16 °C, away from direct light sources and vibrations. The bottle should be kept horizontally to keep the cork moist. While already pleasant and harmonious when young, this wine can further age in the cellar for 4-6 years, developing more complex and softer nuances without losing its typical alpine freshness.