When I first tried this with Carlo, I assumed he grew it in the Alta Langa hills where he grows the grapes for his sparkling wine program, but he surprised me by saying that the vineyard was right there in Canale, next to the San Michele hill and he’s discovered Pinot loves the marly soils on which it’s planted.  And, it’s true.  This is not the light, lacy Pinot one might expect from a higher, cooler altitude location. In fact, this is a Pinot Nero with more attitude that altitude!  Yes, it’s certainly eminently quaffable, but there is depth and considerable chutzpah as well.  777 refers to the Dijon French clone of Pinot Noir the Deltettos chose and its signature perfume is all over this wine- candied violet, fresh raspberry, a bit of red currant and whiff of cinnamon.  Nice on the palate, it has plenty of stuffing and texture and would be an excellent partner to all sorts of pastas (Agnolotti dal Plin?) as well as the usual Pinot-friendly fare like wild mushrooms or truffles, duck, quail or chicken or even a grilled salmon teriyaki.  What a nice surprise!  Drink now or cellar an additional five years or so- like you might a nice bottle of Santenay- a wine this reminds me of a lot……