A biodynamic and organic wine, the Manincor 2019 Alto Adige Pinot Nero Mason di Mason is a medium dark expression of the Burgundian grape with generous fruit weight and intense aromas. Dark cherry, blackcurrant, earth and dried violet describe the bouquet of this wine. The wine evades any obvious determinations on grape, or even territory, rendering a unique experience. 3,210 bottles were released.

A late release to the market (September 2021), this organic wine is only produced in the best vintages. They have grown these grapes according to biodynamic principles, in fact, since 2005.) From a mild and cool vintage, the Manincor 2018 Alto Adige Pinot Nero Mason di Mason opens to a profound and rich center of gravity with layers of dark fruit, wild plum and blackcurrant. Those pretty fruit tones are followed by a light shading of spice and smoke with hints of blue flower, rose and peat moss. The wine covers the entire Pinot Nero spectrum, but it offers a slightly rich and dark personality all the while. This was a release of 4,000 bottles.

Released one year later (as if it were a Riserva), the 2016 Alto Adige Pinot Nero Mason di Mason delivers a bright, mid-weight approach with buoyant aromas of wild berry, candied orange peel, honey-coated almond and fragrant essence of violets. This vintage shows a cheerful approach that is brimming with electric energy, attractive freshness and purity. There is nothing not to like here, except maybe the high retail price. Only 3,500 bottles were made.

With only 3,500 bottles made, the 2015 Alto Adige Pinot Nero Mason di Mason represents a special selection of grapes. The wine delivers sweet aromas of cherry, dried raspberry, violets and grilled herb. There is an almost candy-like quality to that sweetness. The fruit is bright and buoyant in terms of aromas, but the wine is dry and tame in terms of mouthfeel and overall fiber. I would suggest a medium-term drinking window given the dusty nature of the tannins.

The 2013 Alto Adige Pinot Nero Mason di Mason opens to simple layers of wild berry, sweet almond, violets and licorice. The wine offers a silky mouthfeel and smooth texture. It does not show the complexity or depth of some of its peers, but it does offer a very faithful and correct interpretation of the grape. I would suggest a slightly shorter drinking window for this Pinot Nero born in the cool climate, mountainous north of Italy.