Agit Optima, Oltrepo Pavese DOC (Lombardy, Italy) Pinot Nero 2012

Pinot Nero, aka Pinot Noir, is hardly the first wine that comes to mind when contemplating outstanding Italian reds. Over the years there have been more misses than hits, yet there are those who continue to pursue their passion for Pinot despite the disappointing results to date. Agit Optima is the particular passion of winemaker Jean-Francois Coquard, a transplanted Burgundian who’s actually had success with Pinot Nero in Italy. The 2012 won’t make anyone forget La Tache, but that’s not the point. It’s a meaty, ripe, well-rounded expression of Pinot Noir from the Lombardy region around Milan. Showing a strong savory note, a hint of cola and aromas of strawberry and black cherry, this is a Pinot Nero that commands respect at a downright modest price.