Pinot Noir – 2024

2024 Pinot Noir from Cantina Kurtatsch as a light Pinot Noir

The 2024 Pinot Noir from Cantina Kurtatsch is a South Tyrolean Pinot Noir. Not a heavy red and not a bulk wine, but a bright, delicate wine from southwest-facing slopes high above the Adige Valley, aged in concrete vats instead of wood.

The 2024 Pinot Noir from Cantina Kurtatsch is the South Tyrolean take on Pinot Noir, grown between 400 and 650 meters on southwest-facing slopes. The red-brown sandy and loamy soil gives the variety its spice, while the cool nights at this altitude keep its fruit bright. At 13.5 percent alcohol, it remains lean enough to be on the table even in summer.

Cold-macerated and matured in concrete vats

After hand-harvesting, the grapes are initially left to cold-macerate on the skins. Color and fragrance are released from the skins much more slowly in the cold, but much more cleanly.

Fermentation then takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, because a Pinot Noir loses its bright tones faster than any other red variety as soon as it gets too warm in the fermentation vessel.

This is followed by malolactic fermentation, which takes the edge off the sharp malic acid without depriving the wine of its freshness. It is matured in concrete vats, which allow almost no oxygen through and add no flavor of their own. That is precisely why this Pinot tastes of fruit and not of barrel.

Red berries, cherry, and dried orange peel

It sits in the glass a bright garnet red, and that is all the color it needs. Pinot Noir shows little color even when it has a great deal to say.

On the nose, red berries and cherry come first, followed by a hint of dried orange peel and a fine spice. On the palate, the structure remains fresh, the tannins are silky rather than firm, and the finish lasts longer than one would expect from such a light wine. Anyone who takes the first sip too hastily will miss half of this delicate aromatics.

Pairs with grilled salmon and mild mountain cheese

Red wine with fish sounds wrong at first. But with this Pinot, the combination works out extremely well, provided the fish comes off the grill and carries a bit of roasted aroma.

It finds its match with grilled salmon, mild mountain cheese, vitello tonnato, and roasted poultry, because it never pushes itself in front of the food. A risotto with porcini mushrooms and sautéed mushrooms also suit it exceptionally well. At 15 to 16 degrees, it shows itself to be open; cooler, it seems closed, and warmer, it quickly loses its fine contour.

The powerful counterpart in the cellar is the powerful Lagrein, and those who would rather drink white that evening will find a fresh alternative in the Sauvignon Blanc.

A wine for the second look

A table outdoors, the sun already behind the mountain. Accompanying it is a plate of grilled vegetables and a glass that one only really takes seriously on the second sip. That is exactly when the evening tips, and the supporting wine suddenly becomes the lead actor.

It is ready to drink now and will remain so for a good four years, after which the bright fruit gradually gives way to spice. Stored cool and dark, it remains as bright and agile as it is today. Further wines from the south of South Tyrol can be found in the Cantina Kurtatsch assortment. Delicacy is also a form of strength.

Origin and values

• Origin Wine from Italy
• Growing region South Tyrol - Alto Adige DOC
• Grape variety Pinot Noir
• 13.5% vol. alcohol
• 5.1 g/l acidity
• 2.0 g/l residual sugar