Pinot Nero

The Italian version of Pinot Noir is at its best in Piedmont, Oltrepò Pavese, and Alto Adige wines and has been cultivated for an estimated 2,000 years.

When young, a good Pinot Nero exhibits the simpler and fruity characteristics of cherry, plum and raspberries. As it ages, it becomes richer and more complex and will continue to do so in proper conditions. Some say that Pinot Noir is more complex than Cabernet Sauvignon, but it does not age so well.

Pinot Noir is widely used in classy sparkling wines so the grapes are picked at low sugar levels with high acidity. They are then often blended with Chardonnay, which is also picked at low sugar levels and high acidity.

The Pinot Nero grape is extremely difficult to grow. If it does not have the correct environment and care, the wines can be uninviting.

Pinot Nero Wines

Colour	Year	Name	Producer	Region	Style	Price/Bottle in Case	Individual Bottle Price

White	NV	Postumio Brut Oltrepo' Pavese DOC	Cantina di Casteggio	Lombardia	Dry sparkling	£7.50	£7.99

Rosé	NV	Postumio Brut Rose Oltrepo' Pavese DOC	Cantina di Casteggio	Lombardia	Dry sparkling	£8.50	£8.99

Red	2005	Valtellina Superiore Inferno Mazer DOC	Nino Negri	Lombardia	Dry	£14.25	£14.50

Red	2003	Pomino Rosso DOC	Marchesi de' Frescobaldi	Toscana	Dry	£14.75	£14.75

White	2003	Franciacorta Brut DOCG Millesimato	Azienda Agricola Villa	Lombardia	Dry sparkling	£15.00	£15.99

Rosé	2002	Franciacorta DOCG Rose Demisec Millesimato	Azienda Agricola Villa	Lombardia	Medium sparkling	£16.00	£16.99

White	NV	Cuvée Imperiale Brut	Berlucchi	Lombardia	Dry sparkling	£18.99	£18.99

Rosé	NV	Cuvée Imperiale Max Rosé	Berlucchi	Lombardia	Dry sparkling	£21.50	£21.50

White	2002	Franciacorta DOCG Brut Millesimato	La Montina	Lombardia	Dry sparkling	£21.50	£21.50