2023 Abbazia di Novacella Pinot Nero, Alto Adige, Italy
Regular price $30.00
Unit price per
100% Blauburgunder (Pinot Nero)
Located in the town of Novacella in the Isarco River Valley, Abbazia was founded in 1142 by the Augustinian Order of Canons Regular. The Augustians are not monks in the sense that you may be familiar with: they have taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to their superiors; but they also work to support themselves as a part of their community. To this end, the Abbey not only grows grapes for winemaking, but also farms apples and vegetables, and there is a small school devoted primarily to studies of viticulture. The abbey’s reputation as a winery is stellar and international. The estate has long been known for producing world class white wines with a tremendous price/quality ratio. The white grape vineyards are in the town of Novacella, surrounding the abbey, while the red grapes grow further south. Schiava and Pinot Noir are planted near Lago di Caldaro, and Lagrein is planted near Bolzano. In 2009, Italy’s influential Gambero Rosso named Celestino Lucin, the abbey’s enologist, Winemaker of the Year! Though it is one of the oldest wineries in the world with over 850 years of winemaking experience, the cellar is entirely modern.
"Fresh and linear, the 2023 Pinot Nero also boasts personality, delivering sensations of red berry, rhubarb, white pepper and smoky mineral. It's already accessible, with supple tannins while bright acidity keep it balanced. Drink through 2026.”. -Kerin O'Keefe
"This has a pretty nose of strawberries, redbush tea and cherry stones. It's medium-bodied, bright and crunchy on the palate, with lightly chalky tannins. Drink now or in the next few years." -James Suckling