St. Michael-Eppan Sanct Valentin Pinot Noir Riserva 2016
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James
Suckling
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Pinot Noir, a native of France, has been grown since 1850 in South Tyrol; here, it is called Pinot Nero (Blauburgunder in German). The vine, which originates in Burgundy, is a big challenge for any winemaker. It makes great demands not only in terms of both soil and climate, but also on the winemaker. Since 1995, only the best and oldest vineyards have been used for the Sanct Valentin Pinot Noir. Low yields and accurate care will ensure a fine, very sensual red wine. The winery’s most important red wine shines in the glass with finesse, fruit, well-balanced body and fine tannins. It has excellent aging potential.
Ideal as an accompaniment to braised lamb shoulder or back, oxtail and strong cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Serious pinot noir with chocolate, leather and dried-strawberry flavors that follow through to a medium body, firm tannins and a lightly austere finish. Very serious pinot here. Better in 2021, but already fascinating.
Other Vintages
2020-
James
Suckling
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Robert
Parker -
James
Suckling - Vinous
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James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker
For well over 2000 years, the area of South Tyrol has been fruitful for the cultivation of quality grapes in a unique Alpine environment. Within the heart is the village of Eppan where the St. Michael Eppan winery is located and has been producing some of the region's finest wines since its humble beginnings in 1908.
At the helm is Hans Terzer, who works closely with 330 individual growers to protect the quality of grapes that go into each of his wines. Many of these small growers only farm a hectare or two of vines and often maintain apple trees and vegetable gardens of their own. With the knowledge of Hans and the meticulous care of each grower the Eppan wines have gained tremendous notoriety since the late 1970s. Each passing vintage the Gambero Rosso awards its highest honor ‘Tre Bicchieri’ to numerous wines from this special winery. In particular they are highly recognized for the prestige of their Sanct Valentin line because of its premium fruit selection and prolonged barrel aging.
Since 1977 Hans Terzer has been the cellar's winemaker. He is one of the most important winemakers in Italy. In 1997 he was awarded by Gambero Rosso as one of the ten best winemakers in the world and for over 20 years he has been president of the association of the "Kellermeister" of South Tyrol. Over the years he has managed to convince members to adopt a rigorous quality-based philosophy over the years. This road has not always been easy, but with a lot of creativity, a good instinct and a lot of pride, he finally managed to make San Michele what it is today: one of the best wineries in Italy.
Thanks to the creativity of Hans Terzer, the San Michele Appiano winery has also carried out pioneering work, starting among the first in South Tyrol to make wine in barriques. But it is not enough, because he does not lack ideas for improvement. In fact, never rest on your laurels. So Hans Terzer's motto remains: "There is still a lot to do. We have to improve the quality, to get where we want: to the top of the world!"
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
Wine by Region › Italy › Trentino-Alto Adige › Alto Adige
Taking full advantage of direct sunlight exposure on its steep slopes, many of Alto Adige’s best vineyards are planted at extreme altitude... read more