Pinot Noir and Pinot Nero are the same grape variety, the former is the French name, and the latter is the Italian name.
I鈥檝e always loved a glass of Pinot Noir due to the elegance and earthiness of the wine. Low in tannins, dry, and light enough to pair with a hearty fish dish, seafood, tender cuts of beef, and fat rimmed pork chops.
Kaltern Saltner Pinot Nero Riserva DOC
The history of Cantina Kaltern goes back to the beginning of the 20th century, a century that separated Alto Adige from Austria. The winery cooperative has 650 members and 450 hectares of vineyards.
A plush palate with flavors of mixed berries, savory herbs, dried cranberries, sweet baking spices, field wildflowers, and a deep garnet hue. The finish is long with elegant tannins, mild acidity, and a silky mouthfeel. This wine was my favorite of the three and more of a medium bodied Pinot Nero. A half golden cap and embossing makes for a beautiful bottle. Pairs well with vegan dishes, turkey meatballs with gravy, fried chicken, Mexican fried rice, and baked trout almondine.
Castelfeder Pinot Nero Alto Adige Riserva DOC
Since 1989 the Burgum Novum label represents the premium wines of Castelfeder. After a careful aging process in small oak barrels for 18 months, Riserva wines age for an additional 12 months in the bottle before being released.
The Pinot Nero Riserva stands out with a bold nose of red berries, rich earth, cranberries, and vanilla. Lovely flavors of pomegranate seeds, mild tannins, soft oak, refined acidity, and a long earthy finish. Pairs nicely with grilled salmon, stuffed mushrooms, garlic infused mussels, and broiled pork chops. Castelfeder has a magnificent portfolio of wine.
Girlan Patrica Pinot Noir
Grapes for this wine derive from Girlan, Mazon, and Pinzon. The vineyards are located at an altitude between 380 and 530 meters.
The grapes are picked by hand and placed in small containers to prevent excess pressure on the grapes. Placed into steel tanks where the alcoholic fermentation takes place. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 12 months in large wooden barrels. Then stored for 6 months in the bottle. A pretty nose of sour cherry and flirty raspberry. Flavors of dried raspberries, crisp pomegranate, and a fresh acidity.
This is the Pinot Noir to pair with cheese and dense wheat crackers. Soft white cheeses, herbed goat cheese, drunken goat cheese, vegan gouda, Havarti, smoked provolone, fresh mozzarella, and blueberry cream cheese.