Cantina Bolzano Kleinstein Gewurztraminer 2014 / 2016
Type: White
Country: Italy
Region: Alto Adige
Grape Variety: 100% Gewurztraminer
Climate: Microclimatic: The Alps protect the area from cold air masses from the north filled with precipitation, while warm, moist air currents from Lake Garda and the Mediterranean find their way to Alto Adige
Terroir: Vineyard is located on warm steep porphyry slopes on the Renon, above Bolzano at 650 meters
Winemaking: Harvested at the end of September to the beginning of October. Short cold maceration, light pressing and temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel
Color: Intense straw yellow with golden hues
Nose: Bouquet of floral notes (rose petals, dianthus) and fruity components (lychee, grapefruit, tropical), plus some honey
Palate: Full and complex, pleasantly spicy with a hint of residual sugar
About the Winery:
Cantina Bolzano, based in the town of Bolzano, traces its roots to two of Alto Adige’s most historic cooperatives: Santa Magdalena, est. 1930 and Cantina Gries, est. 1908. After deciding to merge in 2001, Cantina Bolzano was created. Bolzano is located in the middle of a valley basin surrounded by hilly vineyards that grow from 200 meters above sea level up to 1000. North and south meet in this valley, and the sun warms the stony soils with its pronounced diurnal temperatures, protecting the vines from the cold.
The average growers’ plots in Sudtirol averages only approx. 1 hectare, and the area, with its famed reputation and steep slopes, is an expensive area to farm. The member of Bolzano (approx. 300 in all) own many of the best vineyards throughout the region, including the Valle Isarco, and pool their resources to create top-quality wines. And while no grower is certified organic, many practice organic viticulture and all of them adhere to natural practices in their vineyards. Most growers have lived on their farms with their families for generations. They protect their land and cultivate their vineyards as they have done for generations with total respect for the environment where they live.
