Pino Pino 2018

When you think of Italian “Pinot,” most immediately think Pinot Grigio. But here’s a fun fact for wine explorers: Italy also produces some fabulous (and hard to find) Pinot Noir. They call it Pinot Nero.

When we tasted the playfully named Pino Pino – a riff on the Italian word for “pine tree” – we knew it was MADE for our customers. First off, it was crafted by Simone Cortese, the talent at Barone Montalto (an estate that has scooped Vinitaly’s coveted Gran Menzione prize). He sourced his Pinot Noir grapes from Pavia, a northern Italian province located next-door to famous Piedmont. It’s a haven for Pinot, thanks to its moderate climate and the cooling influence of nearby mountains and rivers.

Talented winemaker and vineyard pedigree aside, it’s really all about what it tastes like, right? And Pino Pino showcases everything that’s wonderful about Pinot Noir: ripe raspberry and cherry flavors, delicate floral/spice notes and a smooth-as-silk texture. Whether you serve it as a lightly chilled aperitif or alongside dishes with Italian flair (like spaghetti al pomodoro or sea bass with heirloom tomato bruschetta), this pretty little number is going to put a big smile on your face.