The 2008 Pinot Nero is a fresh, vinous red with plenty of varietal character. This mid-weight offering shows excellent balance in an approachable style. The Pinot Nero spent 8 months in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2012. Abbazia di Novacella is an excellent source for wines from Alto Adige loaded with varietal character. The entry-level whites (in the Alsatian-style bottles) are aged in steel. The entry-level reds are largely aged in cask while the wines from the top of the line Praepositus series see French oak.Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

The 2007 Pinot Nero (aged in cask) offers pretty varietal fruit in a soft-textured, accessible style. The wine reveals good length, balance and pretty inner sweetness. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010. Abbazia di Novacella is located in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful corners of Italy. The estate makes a wide range of wines across different levels of quality, as is the custom in these parts. The single-variety wines (in the Alsatian-style bottles) are aged in steel and made in a fresh style. The high-end Praepositus wines offer greater complexity and structure. I am happy to report that the Praepositus line, the reds in particular, are being made in a far more elegant style than has been the case in the recent past.Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200