What are the best Pinot Noirs? A list with photos, description and tasting of the 20 best Italian Pinot Noir wines, value for money. From the most famous Pinot Noirs to the lesser known ones of the best companies. To learn more about the regional excellences, read also the article dedicated to the best Pinot Noir from Trentino Alto Adige and the best Pinot Noir from Tuscany.
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Best 20 Italian Pinot Noirs – Recommended by Jean Marco Palmieri
What are the best Pinot Noirs vinified in red?
Let’s find out together the updated list of the 20 best Italian Pinot Noirs with photos and tastings, so that everyone can find the best Italian Pinot Noir suited to their tastes.
Discover also the articles dedicated to the best Pinot Noirs of Tuscany and the best Pinot Noirs of Trentino Alto Adige
Renaissance 2021 – Gump Hof – Markus Prackwieser
Description
Notes of redcurrant, wild strawberries and pine resin, enriched by hints of aromatic herbs and sweet spices. Fresh and elegant on the palate, with silky tannins and vibrant acidity. Markus Prackwieser once again delivers a compelling expression of Alto Adige Pinot Noir, emphasizing freshness and elegance over sheer power.
Technical Notes
One week of cold maceration followed by two weeks of fermentation in stainless steel, with 40% whole clusters. Aged for 18 months in barriques (50% new oak), followed by 6 months in large oak casks.
Vineyard Location
Novale di Presule (Isarco Valley), at 500–550 metres above sea level, on steep slopes with a 50–55% gradient.
La Pineta 2019 – Podere Monastero
Description
Intense aromas of red forest berries, vanilla, humus and delicate balsamic nuances emerge on the nose. The palate is smooth and enveloping, with remarkably fine tannins and vibrant acidity that brings freshness and drive.
Born from the vision of the talented Alessandro Cellai, this is one of Italy’s finest Pinot Noirs: an elegant celebration of fruit and a superb expression of the terroir.
Region
Tuscany (Castellina in Chianti)
Aton 2021 – Elena Walch
Description
Opens with aromas of ripe cherry and red berries, complemented by notes of forest floor, humus and aromatic herbs. The palate is concentrated and refined, with silky tannins and lively acidity that provide freshness and excellent drinkability. The finish is long and persistent, echoing the classic varietal character of Pinot Noir.
An outstanding vintage from Elena Walch, showcasing exceptional balance, elegance and softness while expressing the full potential of this remarkable grape.
Technical Notes
Five days of cold maceration followed by 15 days of fermentation in stainless steel. Aged for 12 months in barriques, followed by one year of maturation in stainless steel.
Vineyard Location
Glen and Barleith vineyards, between 400 and 600 metres above sea level.
Vigna Das Langefeld 2021 – Pfitscher
Description
Elegant aromas of wild berries and forest floor are complemented by delicate smoky notes. The palate is rich and layered, with velvety tannins, vibrant freshness and a long, savoury finish. Pfitscher presents a refined and age-worthy Pinot Noir, where aromatic finesse and freshness are beautifully balanced by depth and complexity.
Technical Notes
Hand-harvested grapes undergo two days of cold maceration followed by 14 days of spontaneous fermentation. The wine is aged for 12 months in barriques, 6 months in a 10 hl oak cask, and a further 30 months in bottle before release. Bottled without filtration.
Vineyard Location
Gleno (Glen), Montagna (Montan), 550 metres above sea level.
Krafuss 2021 – Alois Lageder
Description
A complex bouquet of blackberry, raspberry and white pepper is complemented by flinty mineral notes. Fresh and beautifully balanced on the palate, with silky tannins and an elegant, lingering finish.
Technical Notes
Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and oak. Aged for 12 months in a combination of new and used barriques (30% new, 70% used), followed by further bottle maturation.
Vineyard Location
Maso Krafuss vineyard, on the hills between San Michele/Appiano and Montagna, at 430–450 metres above sea level.
Pinot Nero Riserva ‘Vigna Ganger’ 2022 – Girlan
Description
The nose is lifted by aromas of blueberries and wild strawberries, layered with dried flowers, forest floor, vanilla and dark chocolate. The palate is generous and refined, with silky, well-defined tannins and vibrant acidity that brings freshness and precision. The finish is clean, harmonious and remarkably persistent on the fruit. Seductive and elegant, with exceptional aromatic depth.
Technical Notes
Around one-fifth of the grapes are fermented as whole clusters. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats over 25 days. Following malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for 20 months in barriques and a further 18 months in bottle.
Vineyard Location
Mazzon, at 360–380 metres above sea level.
Pinot Nero 2019 – Elisabetta Dalzocchio
Description
Elegant and expressive, with aromas of red berries, wild forest fruits, aromatic herbs and sweet spices. The palate is silky and harmonious, supported by fine tannins, vibrant freshness and a long, refined finish. A Pinot Noir of remarkable finesse, deeply rooted in the character of the Trentino terroir.
Technical Notes
Spontaneous fermentation in open oak vats with a proportion of whole clusters and ripe stems. Aged for approximately 18 months in French oak barriques, followed by at least 12 months of bottle maturation. Bottled without filtration.
Vineyard Location
Organic vineyards near Rovereto (Trentino), at around 400 metres above sea level, surrounded by woodland and influenced by the breezes of Lake Garda.
Mazzon Pinot Nero 2021 – Weingut Gottardi
Description
Bright ruby red in colour, with aromas of cherry, wild berries and delicate spices, complemented by elegant hints of vanilla and subtle toasted notes. The palate is refined and harmonious, with silky tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury, persistent finish.
Technical Notes
Made exclusively from 100% Pinot Noir grown in the historic vineyards of Mazzon. Following fermentation in stainless steel, the wine is aged for 12 months in oak barriques and a further 8 months in large oak casks, gaining complexity, elegance and finesse.
The Winery
Founded in 1986 in Mazzon, Weingut Gottardi is one of Alto Adige’s benchmark producers of Pinot Noir. Since 2010, the estate has focused exclusively on this variety, showcasing one of Europe’s most renowned terroirs for Pinot Noir.
Wine Collection Pinot Noir 2021 – San Michele Appiano
Description
Enticing aromas of wild berry preserves are followed by more savoury notes of tar, tobacco and toasted oak. The palate is balanced and refined, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, pronounced minerality and impressive persistence. A polished and elegant expression of Alto Adige Pinot Noir from one of the region’s leading cooperative wineries.
Technical Notes
Ten days of cold maceration followed by fermentation in stainless steel. Malolactic fermentation and ageing take place in barriques and tonneaux, followed by a further 18 months on the fine lees in stainless steel.
Vineyard Location
Appiano Monte (Eppan Berg), Rungg.
Burgum Novum Pinot Nero Riserva 2022 – Castelfeder
Description
A refined aromatic profile of ripe cherry, raspberry and blackberry, enriched by notes of dark spices, dark chocolate and forest floor. The palate is vibrant and elegant, with polished tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish.
Technical Notes
Fermented in stainless steel with skin maceration. Aged for 18 months in French oak barriques, followed by further maturation in stainless steel and bottle.
Vineyard Location
A blend of vineyards across the Bassa Atesina (Unterland), ranging from 400 to 850 metres above sea level.
Pinot Nero 2020 – Podere della Civettaja
Description
The nose reveals aromas of ripe wild berries, aromatic herbs, subtle sanguine notes and orange zest. The palate is generous and expressive, with velvety tannins, captivating saline minerality and a long, persistent finish marked by vibrant fruit.
Technical Notes
Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 12 months in old barriques, followed by 10 months in concrete vats and at least 9 months in bottle.
Vineyard Location
Casentino, Tuscany.
Pinot Nero ‘Ponkler’ 2018 – Franz Haas
Description
The bouquet is complex and intense, revealing candied cherry, strawberry jam, violet and patchouli. Rich and full-bodied on the palate, it is supported by a prominent yet refined tannic structure and lively acidity that brings balance and harmony. A deeply concentrated and age-worthy Pinot Noir, widely regarded as one of Alto Adige’s finest expressions of the variety.
Technical Notes
Fermented in open-top vats with frequent pump-overs and punch-downs. The wine is aged for 15 months in barriques, followed by several years of bottle maturation before release.
Vineyard Location
Aldino (Aldein), Monte Regolo Plateau, at 750 metres above sea level, with south and south-west exposure.
Pinot Nero Linticlarus 2022 – Tiefenbrunner
Description
A refined and expressive bouquet of raspberry, forest floor, aromatic herbs and sweet spices. The palate is poised and elegant, balancing freshness, depth and vibrant tension. A graceful, age-worthy Pinot Noir and one of Alto Adige’s most distinguished expressions of the variety.
Technical Notes
Around 30% of the grapes are fermented as whole clusters. Seven days of cold maceration are followed by 21 days of alcoholic fermentation. The wine is aged for 12 months in barriques (40% new), 6 months in large oak casks, and a further 12 months in bottle.
Vineyard Location
Montagna (Montan) and Corona (Kronhof), between 450 and 800 metres above sea level.
Pinot Nero ‘Mason di Mason’ 2022 – Manincor
Description
The nose opens with intense aromas of ripe wild berries and brandied cherry, complemented by subtle notes of graphite and forest floor. The palate is smooth and enveloping, with soft tannins, excellent balance and a long, refined finish.
Technical Notes
Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, followed by approximately 12 months of ageing in large oak casks. Bottled without fining or filtration to preserve purity and varietal character.
Vineyard Location
The Mason vineyard in Caldaro (Kaltern), on glacial moraine soils with optimal exposure, at around 350–400 metres above sea level.
Lafoa Pinot Nero 2022 – Colterenzio
Description
Aromas of blackberry and blueberry are complemented by notes of forest floor, sweet spices and balsamic herbs. The palate is harmonious and well-balanced, combining freshness with structure, while fine, integrated tannins lead to an elegant finish.
Technical Notes
Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 12 months in French oak barriques.
Vineyard Location
Ora (Auer) and Cornaiano (Girlan), Alto Adige.
Pinot Nero ‘Hermius’ 2020 – Panizzi
Description: Captivating between red currant, pomegranate grains, eucalyptus and white chocolate. On the palate it is intense, juicy and enveloping, with a finish of good persistence on the fruit.
Hermius is the new label of the iconic San Gimignano Panizzi winery. It is an imaginative wine that expresses the unmistakable refined varietal character of Pinot Nero on the nose and that reveals itself on the palate with the richness and mineral flavor that distinguishes the San Gimignano terroir.
Surely among the best Pinot Noirs for its ability to renew the native Burgundy vine in an unprecedented and territorial key. Excellent value for money.
Tuscany region
Pinot Nero ‘Giorgio Odero’ 2019 – Frecciarossa
Description
Intense aromas of red forest berries, aromatic herbs, leather and liquorice lead to a rich, structured palate with firm yet promising tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long, persistent and full of character. Dedicated to the estate’s founder, Giorgio Odero, this is a classic and age-worthy expression of Oltrepò Pavese Pinot Noir, combining tradition with precision and elegance.
Technical Notes
Aged for 12 months in 25 hl oak casks, followed by 6 months in stainless steel before bottling.
Poggio della Buttinera 2021 – Travaglino
Description
Aromas of raspberry and wild strawberry are enhanced by hints of cotton candy, cinnamon and finely integrated oak. Fresh and harmonious on the palate, with excellent length, vibrant minerality and a persistent finish echoing red fruit and sweet spices. Produced from one of Oltrepò Pavese’s most renowned crus, this Riserva stands among Italy’s finest Pinot Noirs for its varietal purity and remarkable elegance.
Grape Variety
100% Pinot Noir
What are the best Italian Pinot Noirs?
What are the best Italian Pinot Noirs? Choosing is a difficult undertaking, which however inevitably is subject to the limits of a subjective opinion, which as such, by definition, is deficient and arbitrary.
We have simply compiled a list of our favorite interpretations according to our evaluations. However, it remains essential to underline that wine is not born as a status symbol, to be exhibited or flaunted coram populo.
But to excite us and be shared in a genuine way with the people we love, binding ourselves to contingent situations and to the unrepeatable and intimate moments of our life.
Therefore, we invite you to visit wineries and get to know the producers who produce wines in their uniqueness, so that you can independently discover and choose the wine that can be counted for you among your personal favorite wines. If you have had the patience to read this far, thank you for your attention, but now is the time to fill the glasses and cut the distant hopes, and therefore:
Cheers, Salute, Santé
Jean Marco Palmieri
