Italy: La Cantina Pizzolato - 'Back to Basic' Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) 2024, DOC Venezia (Organic, Vegan-Friendly)

Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir. Certified Organic. 12.5% alcohol. The bottle is made from 95% recycled glass and the cork is made from 100% recycled material.

This is light-bodied, but not thin. It's not complex in terms of its fruit character but it's not tutti-frutti in style, or confected. It does have some definite Pinot character, yet also character of its own, reflecting its origins. It has freshness, and a natural 'glow'. 

It has very bright plummy fruit, and good acidity, so is best drunk with a bit of a chill to accentuate its bright fruit, the window being say 10°C to 14°C. Drinking straight from an underground cellar - i.e. 'cellar temperature' - is ideal I'd say. At normal room temperature it may taste a little 'soupy' and bland.  

For various reasons related to yield and labour demands, Pinot Noir is an expensive varietal to farm and you don't see many around this price point as you'll no doubt know - especially if you're a Pinot fanatic!

The pioneering Pizzolato family have been producing organic (and vegan) wine since 1991 - this means ZERO use of chemical pesticides, a major win for the environment, for the people living close to the vineyards, and for you the drinker. 

This is all thanks to the vision of Settimo Pizzolato who has insisted on achieving the highest possible environmental standards. Some in the region have followed, but many more need to do so. But becoming organic reduces yields and therein lies the problem for those churning out the cheapest bottles, with their incredibly narrow profit margins; not to mention the power and influence of the chemical companies.

To quote La Cantina Pizzolato: “For us, organic is a lifestyle choice, a responsibility that inspires every aspect of our business. The certified organic and vegan grapes come from the vineyards of our own farm. The bottle is made from 95% recycled glass. The 100% sustainable cork, as well as the capsule and cardboard packaging, is made from recycled material, offsetting 297 grams of CO2 emissions during production, which is engraved on the cork itself."

The grapes are hand-picked, destemmed, and gently crushed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel over 4-5 days; it doesn't see any time in oak. The aim of their vinification here is to preserve freshness, lightness, and varietal/terroir expression. 

Food Pairing

Excellent with pasta dishes, mushroom risotto, or meat main courses. Ideal red for serving with nibbles e.g. cold cuts.