2023 Pinot Ranking: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best 22 Italian Pinot Noirs
Pinot Noir may not be the grape that Italy is most famous for, but it is increasingly making a name for itself in regions beyond its French heartland of Burgundy.
From the cool climates of Alto Adige to the rolling hills of Tuscany, Pinot Noir—or Pinot Nero as it’s called in Italy—is showcasing its adaptability and unique flavor profile.
So, wine lovers, prepare for a tour featuring a spectrum of expressions from Italy’s best Pinot Noir producers.
Understanding Pinot Noir: The Basics
- Origin: Traditionally Burgundy, France, but now also Italy
- Type: Red grape varietal
- Primary Flavors: Red berries, earth, spice, and sometimes floral notes
- Alcohol Content: Usually between 12-14%
- Price Range: $20 – $80
- Styles: Mostly dry red wines
- Aging Potential: Generally 5-10 years, depending on the producer and vintage
- Certification: Various, including organic and non-organic options available
The Italian Regions that Do It Best
While Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia are often cited as Italy’s Pinot Noir strongholds, regions like Piedmont and even Tuscany are stepping up their game. Different terroirs contribute to a wide array of characteristics that make each wine distinct.
- Alto Adige: Known for elegant and nuanced Pinot Noirs, with a crisp structure.
- Friuli Venezia Giulia: Produces balanced wines, often marked by ripe fruits and earthy tones.
- Tuscany: An unlikely contender, offering rich blends that incorporate Pinot Noir for finesse and complexity.
The Best 14 Italian Pinot Noirs
1. Hofstätter Barthenau Vigna S. Urbano
- Price: $60
- Aging Potential: 6-9 years
- Tasting Notes: Complex and nuanced with notes of raspberry, black cherry, and spice.
2. Jermann Red Angel
- Price: $50
- Aging Potential: 5-8 years
- Tasting Notes: Soft tannins, velvety mouthfeel, ripe red fruits, and earthy undertones.
3. Pinot Nero IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 2018 – Tenuta Ansitz-Dornach – Patrick Uccelli
- Price: $70
- Aging Potential: 7-10 years
- Tasting Notes: Intense flavors of black fruit, peppery spice, and a lingering mineral finish.
4. Elena Walch Pinot Nero
- Price: $45
- Aging Potential: 4-7 years
- Tasting Notes: Elegance and complexity with red berries and a touch of spice.
5. Il Ventisei Pinot Nero 2018 – Il Rio
- Price: $48
- Aging Potential: 4-6 years
- Tasting Notes: Elegantly structured, offering notes of red cherries, spice, and leather.
6. La Spinetta Pin Monferrato Rosso
- Price: $55
- Aging Potential: 6-10 years
- Tasting Notes: Rich and textured, featuring ripe fruits, tobacco, and vanilla.
7. Pinot Nero 2019 – Daniele Piccinin
- Price: $40
- Aging Potential: 4-7 years
- Tasting Notes: Red and dark fruits meet a touch of earthiness and vanilla.
8. Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto
- Price: $65
- Aging Potential: 7-11 years
- Tasting Notes: Elegance of Pinot Noir combined with the power of other local grapes.
9. Pinot Nero 2019 – Grawu
- Price: $35
- Aging Potential: 3-5 years
- Tasting Notes: A harmonious blend of red fruits and spice, with a hint of oak.
10. Tiefenbrunner Pinot Nero Riserva
- Price: $40
- Aging Potential: 5-7 years
- Tasting Notes: Cherry and blackberry flavors, complemented by a hint of oak and velvety tannins.
11. Pinot Nero 2020 – Podere della Civettaja
- Price: $30
- Aging Potential: 2-4 years
- Tasting Notes: Floral notes complement a palate rich in red cherries and subtle earthiness.
12. Attems Pinot Nero
- Price: $35
- Aging Potential: 3-6 years
- Tasting Notes: Delicate aromas of red fruits, floral notes, and a touch of earthiness.
13. Muri-Gries Abtei Muri Riserva
- Price: $70
- Aging Potential: 7-12 years
- Tasting Notes: Intense, with layers of black cherry, spice, and a long, balanced finish.
14. TPS 2015 – Opificio del Pinot Nero
- Price: $75
- Aging Potential: 8-12 years
- Tasting Notes: A complex blend of dark berries, tobacco, and leather make this wine a standout.
15. Livio Felluga Pinot Nero
- Price: $50
- Aging Potential: 4-8 years
- Tasting Notes: A balanced wine featuring strawberry, earth, and hints of leather.
16. Neroir 2020 – Stefano Milanesi
- Price: $45
- Aging Potential: 3-5 years
- Tasting Notes: Layers of strawberries and raspberries balanced with a slight smoky undertone.
17. Ca’ del Bosco Pinot Nero
- Price: $65
- Aging Potential: 6-10 years
- Tasting Notes: Complex, with notes of red fruits, herbs, and a peppery finish.
18. Pinot Nero 2020 – Tenuta Belvedere
- Price: $32
- Aging Potential: 2-4 years
- Tasting Notes: A light-bodied wine with raspberry and strawberry notes.
19. Schreckbichl Colterenzio Pinot Nero
- Price: $25
- Aging Potential: 3-5 years
- Tasting Notes: Light-bodied, yet flavor-packed with red berries and a whisper of vanilla.
20. Pinot Nero 2015 – Voltumna
- Price: $55
- Aging Potential: 5-8 years
- Tasting Notes: Blackberries and dark cherries enlivened by an earthy complexity.
21. Pinot Nero Langhe DOC 2021 – Segni di Langa – Gian Luca Colombo
- Price: $28
- Aging Potential: 2-3 years
- Tasting Notes: Bright red fruit flavors, balanced by fresh acidity.
22. Pinot Nero Riserva 2019 – Brunnenhof-Mazzon
- Price: $60
- Aging Potential: 6-10 years
- Tasting Notes: Plums and black cherries accented by a hint of vanilla.
