Alto Adige Pinot Nero Sanct Valentin Riserva 2020

A difficult and capricious grape, Pinot Noir has found a favorable environment in South Tyrol. It was introduced in the Oltradige area in the mid-1800s and over time it has become one of the most precious grape varieties for the region. In fact, today the Pinot Noir wines from Alto Adige are considered among the finest Italian reds, much loved by wine lovers and restaurateurs. Cantina San Michele Appiano has been producing Pinot Noir Sanct Valentin since 1995 by selecting the best Pinot Noir grapes from the oldest vineyards in the municipality of Appiano with very low yields. The vineyards extend between 400 and 550 meters above sea level on morainic, gravelly and calcareous soils.

The grapes are harvested by hand in mid-September. They are de-stemmed and crushed and undergo a cold maceration of 3 days before the start of alcoholic fermentation. They then ferment in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature with frequent punching down. After racking, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in barrique and ages for one year in barrique and tonneau; finally, the wines of the various barriques and tonneaus are blended and the wine ages for another six months in large barrels.