Nearly 80% of the wines from Alto Adige are produce by coop.  This would normally lead you to expect wines of mediocre quality.  This is not the case in Alto Adige.  This area was part of Austria until it was annexed by Italy after WWI.  The people of the region have deep Germanic roots and demand precision and quality in all endeavors. Every wine that I have tasted from Nahls Margreid leaves no doubt of this deeply seeded pride.  And then, I am always pleasantly surprised by the price. 

This is a lighter stye of Pinot Noir, which frankly, is something I never think I need until I actually have it in a glass.  Then I am happy that I am enjoying a wine that is not crushing my palate.  There is a purity to this wine that is refreshing.  There are the expected red cherry and cranberry fruits, but there is also a subtle smoky, flintiness that lends a savory balance to the fruit.  This wine is understated with a subtle complexity that belies its price.