Pizzolato NSA Cabernet Sauvignon

Pizzolato NSA Cabernet Sauvignon is a no-sulfite-added organic Cabernet Sauvignon from Veneto, Italy, bottled at 12% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by La Cantina Pizzolato in Villorba, Treviso, this wine stands out for its exacting vineyard-to-cellar hygiene protocols — a necessity when forgoing the sulfur dioxide that most winemakers rely on as an antiseptic. The 2018 vintage earned an 84/100 from Tastings.com.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12%  |  Origin: Veneto I.G.T., Italy  |  100% Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Winery: La Cantina Pizzolato

Production & Heritage

La Cantina Pizzolato operates from Villorba in the Treviso province of Veneto, specializing in organic wines made without added sulfites. Because sulfur normally serves as the primary antiseptic in winemaking — preventing bacterial attacks at every stage — its absence demands extreme cleanliness during harvest and vinification. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are vinified off the skins, with fermentation completed in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and varietal purity rather than introduce oak-driven complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with tangy red currant and cranberry, layered with spicy cedar and dark flinty mineral notes. Secondary aromas of roasted green pepper, toffee, and honeyed roasted pineapple add an unexpected but inviting complexity.

Taste: The palate enters with crisp, juicy cranberry and fresh raspberry, moving into a mid-palate of boysenberry and black cherry with a splash of kirsch sweetness. A slight green bell pepper and menthol character emerges through the middle, supported by a supple, dryish medium body and tangy pomegranate acidity that keeps everything lively.

Finish: The fade is medium in length, marked by herbal cedar notes and a crisp, juicy tartness. A subtle white pepper spiciness lingers alongside faint vegetal undertones, leaving a clean and refreshing impression.

How to Drink Pizzolato NSA

Serve this wine lightly chilled — around 60°F — to bring out its bright red fruit and aromatic lift. Its medium body and crisp acidity also make it a versatile cocktail and mixed-drink component. A classic Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) works well here because the cranberry tang cuts through the sweetness. A Sangria benefits from the wine's natural fruit-forward character and herbal edge without any sulfite interference. For a simple warm-weather serve, a Tinto de Verano (red wine with lemon soda) highlights its refreshing acidity and berry notes.

Best For

• Sulfite-sensitive wine drinkers seeking an authentic Cabernet Sauvignon experience
• Weeknight dinners where a clean, food-friendly red is called for
• Gifting to health-conscious or organic-focused friends
• Introducing someone to the no-sulfite-added wine category

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pizzolato NSA taste like? Pizzolato NSA Cabernet Sauvignon leads with tart cranberry, red currant, and fresh raspberry, supported by cedar, green pepper, and a touch of toffee. The body is medium and dryish, with bright acidity driving a clean, juicy finish.

How does Pizzolato NSA compare to Cono Sur Organic Cabernet Sauvignon? Both sit in a similar price tier as organic Cabernets, but Pizzolato differentiates itself by adding no sulfites at all, while Cono Sur is organic yet typically includes some sulfur dioxide. Pizzolato also hails from Veneto rather than Chile, giving it a distinctly Old World, higher-acid profile compared to Cono Sur's riper, more fruit-forward Chilean character.

Is Pizzolato NSA good for everyday sipping? Its approachable 12% ABV, medium body, and crisp red-fruit profile make it a solid everyday red, particularly for those who prefer lighter, fresher Cabernet Sauvignon styles over heavily oaked versions.

Where is Pizzolato NSA made? Pizzolato NSA Cabernet Sauvignon is made by La Cantina Pizzolato, located in Villorba, Treviso, within the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. It carries the Veneto I.G.T. designation.

What foods pair well with Pizzolato NSA? Margherita pizza works well, as the wine's acidity complements tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella. Grilled vegetables — especially bell peppers — echo the wine's green pepper notes. Roasted chicken with herbs mirrors its cedar and herbal undertones. Aged pecorino cheese matches the tangy cranberry acidity. Charcuterie boards with salami and bresaola benefit from the wine's bright fruit and medium tannin structure.

What sizes does Pizzolato NSA come in? Pizzolato NSA Cabernet Sauvignon is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Pizzolato NSA worth the price? Pizzolato NSA positions as an entry-level organic red, offering genuine no-sulfite-added credentials at a price point accessible to curious drinkers and committed organic wine fans alike. For a specialty production method that demands significantly more labor and vigilance in the cellar, it represents fair value within its niche.

Why Pizzolato NSA?

What separates this Cabernet from the vast majority of wines on the shelf is the complete absence of added sulfites — a production constraint that most wineries avoid because of the extreme sanitary discipline it requires from vineyard to bottle. La Cantina Pizzolato has built its reputation around precisely this challenge, and the result is a wine that tastes genuinely of its grape and place rather than being shaped by preservative chemistry. The stainless steel fermentation preserves a bright, unmasked fruit character that heavier winemaking would obscure. For anyone exploring the no-sulfite-added category, this Veneto I.G.T. Cabernet Sauvignon is a credible and honestly made starting point.