Marcato 2007 Barattaro, Pinot Nero

So I met my wife and son at a birthday barbecue at a friend's house last night and was given a glass of red wine.  I didn't ask what it was, thought I would try and guess.  Well I guessed it was Pinot Noir, which is usually a pretty easy red to identify, as it is usually lighter and more delicate than Cabernet, Shiraz, etc.  After my educated guess, I headed over to the bottle and I was right, but it was a Pinot Noir from Italy, known as Pinot Nero.  The wine was the 2007 Marcato Barattaro.  Usually one thinks France or California, or even Oregon for Pinot Noir, but this was a pleasant little surprise from Italy.  Not sure I have had a Pinot from Italy and I don't think they are that common either.  But, I really liked this wine, it was very easy to drink and it had delicate berry and floral aromas, but also backed it up with some nice earthy flavors and decent acidity.  I was able to find out that this is an estate grown Pinot Nero from Veneto, vinified in stainless steel and wood for nine months before aging 16 months in Moldavian oak casks.  This is not the most complex Pinot ever, but it goes a bit further than your average everyday priced Pinot in the flavor department.  Great wine for summer I think as you can pretty much enjoy this with anything from burgers (notice one on the bottom right of the photo!) to fish tacos or a hearty salad.  Drank great on its own as well at the BBQ and I was sad when it ran out.  I asked the host who brought it and she said, in fact, my wife had.  She said she had picked it up at our local shop on he way and had paid $18.  I think this sounds like a fair price for an above average Pinot with some great character.  88 Points.