Bottega Vinaia 2017 Estate Bottled Trentino Pinot Noir

Bottega Vinaia 2017 Estate Bottled Trentino Pinot Noir ($18)

When you’re looking for Pinot Noir, does Italy come to mind? If you’re like a lot of people, probably not. That’s a shame though because the hills of Northern Italy have some fine examples of this legendarily finicky and remarkably popular grape. It also happens, they’re usually really good values.

At $18 this offering from Bottega Vinaia is a stunner. Everything here from the first whiff to the last sip sits in perfect harmony. Droves of red fruits drive the aromatics. They continue on the palate where cherry and cranberry are in strong evidence. Oodles of spice are present too. A dusting of dark cocoa emerges on the finish along with wisps of chicory and leather. This Pint Noir is acid rich and incredibly friendly with a varied feast of foods. I enjoyed it alongside a Porcini Mushroom Porridge topped with shaved Pecorino Romano and it worked perfectly.

If you want to read about more about PInot from Alto Adige, give this story from a coupe years back a read.