Baltasius Pinot Nero Riserva Alto Adige DOC 2021 - Schloss Englar x 6

The Pinot Noir Baltasius Riserva Alto Adige DOC by Schloss Englar is a red wine of extraordinary nobility and elegance, beautifully capturing the quintessential character of the Burgundian variety grown in alpine altitudes. Produced in an extremely scarce, collectible run of just 1,280 bottles and 50 Magnums, this Riserva originates from old vines over 20 years old. Trained in the Guyot system in Eppan Berg (Appiano Monte) at 500 to 550 meters above sea level, the vines are rooted in heavy clay, limestone, and gravelly soils—conditions perfectly suited for building structure, finesse, and an impressive cellaring potential of up to 10 years.

Artisanal Winemaking: The Purity of an Unfiltered Cru

The grapes were meticulously hand-picked and sorted from mid to late September. Fermentation took place over 3 weeks on the skins in open-top wooden vats, driven exclusively by the grape's native yeasts. The aging process demands patience and precision: the wine initially spent 12 months in new French oak tonneaux, followed by an additional 6 months in neutral (used) tonneaux to integrate the oak seamlessly. To preserve the complete polyphenol richness, texture, and authentic soul of the fruit, Baltasius was bottled completely unfiltered in June 2023.

Tasting Notes: Silky Texture and Aristocratic Depth

In the glass, the Schloss Englar Baltasius Riserva 2021 displays a rich, luminous ruby red hue. The nose reveals a deep, complex, and fruit-driven bouquet reminiscent of ripe cherries, cranberries, and wild berries, underscored by subtle hints of sweet oak spices. On the palate, the wine is exquisitely soft and elegant, showing a velvety profile framed by ultra-fine natural tannins and a pleasing, juicy fruit sweetness. The finish is long, intense, and incredibly refined.

Food Pairings and Sommelier Serving Tips

This world-class Pinot Noir from Alto Adige is a gastronomic masterpiece. It serves as an excellent companion to various game dishes, as well as roasted rabbit and rack of lamb. It also pairs wonderfully with rich Italian pasta courses (such as meat ragoût) and delicate, semi-aged cheeses.

To fully enjoy its aromatic evolution, we recommend serving it at a slightly cool cellar temperature of 14–16°C and uncorking the bottle shortly before serving.

The Story of the Stellar 2021 Vintage

The 2021 vintage is bound to bring immense joy to wine lovers. Following a snowy winter, a cold and dry spring delayed bud break. Flowering began about two weeks later than average, but a warm, dry June allowed the vines to catch up. The summer brought weekly thunderstorms accompanied by dramatic diurnal temperature variations between day and night, ideal for the slow ripening of Pinot Noir. The harvest yielded pristine, vibrant grapes that translated into remarkably fresh, elegant, and finely tuned alpine wines.