Wines
VERNATSCH (SCHIAVA) ALTE REBEN
Vernatsch (Schiava) is probably the most famous autochthonous grape variety in South Tyrol. The typical fruity and aromatic red wine is made of grapes with unusual large- sized berries. As the name suggests, the grapes come from older vines that are partially over 80 years old. The label shows a combination of its place of origin and a bottle. The vineyards for this Vernatsch are located in special sites of Breitbach, a smaller part of the village Cortaccia. There can be found impressive large cypresses in the middle of the vineyard. As aperitif or pairing to bacon, cold cuts, starters, pasta dishes, roasted meat. Bright garnet red colour, fruity notes of red berries, delicate structure fresh, aromatic finish.
Castelfeder
Castelfeder winery was founded in 1969 by Alfons Giovanett, who had attended the renowned wine school in San Michele all’Adige. The small private winery originally lay in the center of Neumarkt/Egna in the south of Alto Adige. In 1989 the founder s son, Gunther Giovanett, took over the management of the winery and at the same time, relocated the operations to the small village of Kurtinig/Cortina in the very south of Alto Adige. The effort of Gunther and his wife Alessandra is confirmed by the decision of their two children Ivan and Ines, who both changed their passion into work. A true family business with the goal of producing outstanding wines in a special region of Italy.
Trentino-Alto Adige
Trentino Alto Adige is comprised of two provinces, with Alto Adige in the north around Bolzano, and Trentino around the city of Trento in the south. Historical and cultural differences distinguish the two provinces – Trentino is classically Italian whereas Alto Adige is known as Südtirol to its largely German-speaking population. The terrain is mountainous, with the Dolomites and Rhaetian Alps enveloping the area, so viticulture is simply not possible on much of the land. However it is practiced on many steep slopes under difficult conditions. Like many of the world’s wines that are the most challenging to make, there is a real emphasis on quality that makes it worth persisting with the complexities of the region’s terrain and climate.
Chardonnay is important, along with Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Blanc. Red grapes like Schiava (also known as Vernatsch) are used to make the classic red of Bolzano, known as St Magdalener. The wine is light and elegant with a lovely red fruit character. The most important red grape of Alto Adige in terms of quality is the Lagrein. Some excellent reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Nero are showing that the region’s wines are worthy of the attention of the international market, not just in the neighbouring countries, but making an impact further afield as well.
