Pinot Nero Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano, Hofstätter

PINOT NERO BARTHENAU VIGNA SAN URBANO

Grape Variety

Pinot Noir

Soil

A mixture of clay, lime, eroded porphyry and fine gravel

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested in small crates to ensure they arrive at the winery completely intact. Most the grapes are de-stemmed and lightly crushed, leaving around 25% whole and unbruised. The berries, whole clusters and juice are allowed to steep at cool temperatures for one day to extract the maximum of varietal aromas. During the period of fermentation the solid grape parts are kept constantly submerged in the new wine

Maturation

The maturation in oak casks takes place in two phases. The young wine is kept in small oak casks for 12 months, after which a uniform blend is made. The wine is subsequently matured in one large cask for 8 months, after which it is filled and matured in bottle for further 8 months in the cellars of the Barthenau manor house before release

Description

A superb Pinot Nero, whose concentration is clearly heralded by its dark ruby colour. Initially it seems somewhat closed on the nose, but then opens up in the glass to reveal its authentic, noble Pinot Nero origins. The aroma reminiscent of sour cherry and raspberry is enhanced by a delicate hint of vanilla and spice. On the palate it shows excellent harmony with elegant acidity, well-integrated sweet tannins and enormous concentration of aromas. Barthenau Vigna San Urbano faithfully reveals the potential inherent in our finest cru to produce world-beating Pinot Nero. It is located in the heart of the vineyard surrounding our Barthenau manor house close to the hamlet of Mazon, where some of the Pinot Nero vines here are over 65 years old. Only the term “Vigna” guarantees the origin of a single-vineyard wine in Alto Adige

Food Choices

Red meats, venison and game, and mild cheeses