Vintage Character Valtellina’s Alpine slopes provide the dramatic backdrop for Marcel Zanolari Pinot Nero 2018, a wine that captures the region’s cool climate and mineral-rich soils. The 2018 vintage in Lombardy benefited from a temperate growing season with well-timed rainfall, producing wines with balanced acidity and refined aromatics.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing Awarded 90 points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, this Pinot Nero opens with delicate scents of wild strawberry, rose petal, and fresh herbs, while the palate reveals juicy red fruit layered with subtle earthy notes and a hint of spice. Its texture is silky and elegant, supported by vibrant acidity and finely woven tannins that lead to a lingering, graceful finish. Ideal pairings include duck breast with cherry reduction, mushroom risotto, and soft-ripened cheeses such as Taleggio; for a creative twist, it also complements Peking duck, offering a harmonious East-meets-West experience.
Winery Background Marcel Zanolari stands out in Valtellina for his dedication to organic and biodynamic viticulture, cultivating steeply terraced vineyards carved into the Alpine landscape. The estate’s philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention and hand-harvesting, ensuring that each wine authentically reflects the purity of the grape and the distinctiveness of the local terroir. Zanolari’s commitment to sustainability and holistic vineyard management positions the estate as a leader among Lombardy’s artisanal producers, consistently delivering expressive wines that honor both tradition and nature.