Deltetto Langhe Pinot Nero, 777 | 2021

About a 30-minute drive north of Barolo, Roero is a region that used to be a lake—now it's gentle sandy slopes and layers of fossilized seashells. Nebbiolo from here leans into the red spectrum of fruits with a feathery glide, but this region also makes excellent Pinot Noir. Certified organic, the Deltetto family produces a spectacular range including Champagne-imposter sparkling wines, pretty whites, and magnetic reds.

This “777” is a nod to the French Pinot clone known for breadth and age-worthiness. In the cellar, patience is their ally, practicing long macerations with controlled extraction, followed by aging in a mix of small and large barrels. The result is a Pinot that’s deceptively serious: a middleweight with athletic tannin, sleek red and black fruit, and that "toxic" Piedmont underbelly of cardamom, blue spice, and forest herbs. We’re huge Deltetto fans, and this is a nice reminder that Pinot Noir doesn’t have to be French (or American) to be this good. ~Allegra Angelo