Pinot Nero Alto Adige DOC 2022 - Schloss Englar x 6

The Pinot Noir Alto Adige DOC by Schloss Englar is a red wine of extraordinary finesse and elegance, beautifully capturing the alpine character of one of the world's most noble and demanding grape varieties. Produced in a limited run of 6,452 bottles, this single-varietal wine stems from a meticulous selection of different Pinot Noir clones, ranging between 5 and 10 years old and trained in the Guyot system. The vineyards are nestled at an ideal altitude of 500 to 550 meters above sea level on a southwest-facing slope. The unique soil—a heavy clay mixed with calcareous gravel—endows the wine with a velvety structure and a superb cellaring potential of 5 to 10 years.

Winemaking: Spontaneous Fermentation and Fine Oak Aging

The hand-picked grapes are harvested at the beginning of September, ensuring strict grape selection. In the cellar, they are gently destemmed and moved into open-top oak vats, where fermentation begins spontaneously via wild, indigenous yeasts. A three-week maceration period follows, during which full malolactic fermentation occurs naturally. Afterwards, the wine is transferred into premium oak tonneaux, aging on its fine lees for 12 months to build structure, integration, and complexity. The wine was subsequently bottled in May 2024.

Tasting Notes: Velvet Texture and Ripe Red Fruit Profile

In the glass, the Schloss Englar Pinot Noir 2022 displays a rich, luminous, and beautifully dense ruby red color. The nose reveals a generous, fruit-forward bouquet dominated by ripe cherries and wild forest berries, accented by delicate hints of sweet spice from the oak. On the palate, the wine is delightfully soft, supple, and refined, framed by ultra-fine tannins and a clean mountain freshness that keeps the palate lively. The finish is remarkably harmonious and persistent.

Food Pairings and Sommelier Serving Tips

The sophisticated structure of this premium Alto Adige red makes it an exceptional partner for savory meat dishes. It pairs magnificently with roasted lamb, beef, or rich game recipes. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent companion to aged artisanal cheeses and structured Italian pasta dishes.

We recommend serving it at a temperature of 16–18°C in large, wide-bowled Burgundy glasses to allow its complex bouquet to fully evolve.

The Story of the Warm 2022 Vintage

The 2022 vintage will be remembered by all as a remarkably warm yet beautifully balanced year. Following a very dry and mild winter, a cool spring slightly slowed down the bud break. The characteristically dry summer concluded in late July and early August with heat-induced thunderstorms and refreshing rain showers. Thanks to excellent autumn weather, the estate harvested exceptionally healthy grapes at optimal ripeness. The wines of the 2022 vintage are incredibly compelling, showing superb harmony, fruit density, and perfect structural balance.