In early March, I traveled just about to Alto Adige, Italy the place Matthias Messner, Managing Director, of Cantina Bozen awaited a bunch of wine journalists with the intention to introduce then style 4 purple wines (despatched as samples). After his heat welcome, one of many first statements he made was that Alto Adige, essentially the most northern area in Italy bordering Austria and Switzerland, is a “land of distinction” as a result of mixture of languages and meals reflecting each Italian and German cultures. The area boasts 5800 hectares of vineyards (lower than 1% of cultivated areas in Italy), principally hand-harvested on slopes starting from 200-1000 meters. 20 completely different grape varieties are grown; as of 2023, manufacturing is 65% white wine and 35% purple wine.
Cantina Bozen is a cooperative vineyard based in 1908. After years of challenges within the Seventies and Nineteen Eighties, a shift in direction of high quality as a substitute of amount was made to strengthen its place. In 2001, the merger of Gries and St. Magdalena wineries resulted in mixed sources. Their goal was “to change into a number one participant within the Alto Adige area” whereas supporting native grape growers. Now 224 member growers cultivating 340 hectares are concerned. Produced are 50% white wines and 50% purple wines. A brand new gravity-flow vineyard was in-built 2008 and there’s a exact give attention to sustainability that features solar energy and digital monitoring of winery remedies.
Stephan Filippi, Chief Winemaker at Cantina Bozen, has remarked, “Making good wine is a craft, making nice wine is an artwork.” Having discovered the backstory, everybody was able to pop the cork of those stunning purple wines and discover the artistry of Cantina Bozen.
Our first wine was Huck Am Bach St. Magdalener Classico ($22) of 90% Schiava and 10% Lagrein from the 5 hectare Huck am Bach winery of gravelly soils. Aged in giant oak vats, this gentle, straightforward ingesting wine provided aromas of violets, rose petals, and shiny cherries. On the palate, notes of almonds, rasberries and confections had been framed with excellent acidity and mushy tannins. It was instructed that the wine will pair with grilled peppers and bacon, grilled fish with sauce, or a regional ham, speck.
Elegant, basic Pinot Nero 2023 ($25) was of grapes (also referred to as Blauburgunder) grown on heat, well-ventilated websites at 500-750 meters above sea degree. Fermented in stainless-steel, a portion was left to mature in picket casks for a brief time frame. Aromas of plums, raspberries, cherries and trace of anise led to intense flavors of extra of the identical on the palate; all had been nestled inside average tannic construction and shiny acidity. Mouthwatering pairings are mature cheeses, grilled beef, lamb burgers or seared duck.
Perl 2022 ($30) is of Lagrein, an indigenous selection that could be a crossing of Teroldego and Schiava. The grape itself prefers warmth; the realm of cultivation is at 250 meters above sea degree. After fermentation in stainless-steel, the wine matured in giant oak barrels then within the bottle. Wafting from the glass had been beautiful floral aromas of violets, lavender, roses, darkish purple berries, trace of spice and a sensation of minerality. The medium bodied palate was elegant and balanced with average acidity and satin-like tannins. Take into account lunch or dinner of tender roast beef and roasted potatoes or a light-weight meat sauce and mushroom with pasta. In fact, don’t overlook a glass of two of Perl 2022 for the win!
Vines over than 80 years previous develop on heat sandy volcanic soils close to Bolzano at 250 meters above sea degree – these vines are accountable for the Lagrein in Taber Reserva ($80). The realm’s marked diurnal temperature shifts assist Lagrein thrive and the aged vines assist guarantee prime quality. The wine matured a couple of yr in giant oak barrels and is an instance of a fancy wine with the flexibility to age for 10-15 years. Fruit ahead aromas of juicy cherries, roses, violets and chocolate shavings led to concentrated flavors of extra luscious fruit on a basis of vibrant acidity and mushy tannins. Strive tortellini with chestnuts and sausage, mature cheeses, roast beef, or juicy grilled beef tenderloin with a bottle of Taber Reserva, essentially the most awarded wine from Alto Adige. Magnificent!
*photograph*
At Cantina Bozen in Alto Adige, notable paintings is at all times within the glass.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
