Nero Magis - Pignolo Rosso Riserva 2016 (750ml)

Drinking Window 2025 - 2038
From: Pride and Tradition: The Friulian Way (Apr 2023)
The 2016 Rosso Riserva Nero Magis is an aromatic seductress with depths of crushed raspberries and black cherries complemented by balsamic spice, mint leaf and dark chocolate. It's velvety-smooth and supple upon entry, communicating undeniable elegance, contrasted by citrus-tinged wild berries that add a tart, tongue-curling twang of tension throughout. Tangerine hints mix with a cocoa dusting over a bed of fine-grained tannins as the 2016 finishes with remarkable length yet also unexpectedly fresh. While needing further cellaring to come fully into focus, Nero Magis has done a fantastic job of taming the often harsh tannins of Pignolo. This is stunning.
- By Eric Guido on January 2023

The Nero Magis project, headed by winemaker Walter Filiputti, has captured my attention as the wines continue improving with each passing vintage. There are just two wines, Nero Magis and Nero Magis Riserva, and just two varieties, Pignolo and Merlot. The inspiration was reviving interest in Pignolo, which has many locals in Friuli talking these days. The problem with the variety is its aggressive tannins that are said to take no less than ten years to soften (in many cases, I believe much more time will be required). Loved by locals but harder to market internationally, many winemakers have been experimenting to find a way to bring more balance to the wines. In my opinion, Nero Magis has succeeded. The straight Nero Magis blends 50% Merlot with 50% Pignolo, where the Merlot helps to add rounder textures and plump fruit, while the Riserva is a 100% varietal style. While the Riserva will need more cellaring to come around, the otherworldly balance makes me very excited to watch it mature over time.