The Pinot Noir from Schloss Englar is a red wine that does not need to raise its voice to be noticed, but wins over with its aristocratic finesse and disarming drinkability. We are in San Michele Appiano, where Schloss Englar is not only a winery but a Gothic manor that has dominated the landscape since 1450. The secret of this unique territory lies in the subsoil, a distinctive mix of calcareous gravel and porphyry that gives the wines a vertical mineral character. The cool air currents descending from the surrounding mountain ranges ensure the temperature swings necessary to preserve the delicate aromas of the most demanding grape varieties. Pinot Noir in purity: here the “enfant terrible” of the wine world is treated with the utmost care. The grapes are meticulously selected and harvested by hand at the beginning of September, exactly when sugar ripeness and phenolic maturity reach their ideal balance. After destemming, the grapes ferment spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts in open oak vats. This traditional method allows a gentle management of the cap of skins. After a three-week maceration, during which malolactic fermentation also occurs, the wine matures for twelve months in tonneaux on its fine lees. In the glass it shows a rich and luminous ruby red color, far from the excessive transparency of some lighter examples. The bouquet is a delight for lovers of classic varietal aromas: a wave of ripe cherry and small forest berries that seems freshly picked. On the palate the wine is a caress. Soft, elegant and supported by tannins so fine they feel almost silky. Despite its notable structure, it maintains a freshness that makes it extremely drinkable. Perfect with first courses based on porcini mushrooms or with a selection of medium-aged mountain cheeses. Also worth trying slightly chilled: it reveals itself as a wine that goes straight to the point without unnecessary embellishments.