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Castelfeder

Castelfeder Schiava Vernatsch Alte Reben

Appelation

DOC Alto Adige

Varietal

Schiava

ABV

12.5

Philosophy

Sustainable

Castelfeder Castelfeder Schiava Vernatsch Alte Reben
Castelfeder Castelfeder Schiava Vernatsch Alte Reben
Castelfeder Schiava Vernatsch Alte Reben

Tasting Notes

The work horse of the region in terms of planted acres, this varietal likens itself to Gamay (Beaujolais), or Dolcetto. Thin skinned in nature, this grape offers a transparent ruby color in the glass and pushes forward fresh red fruit in the glass. Spice and light tannins.

Cultivation

Schiava, or Vernatsch, is an indigenous grape varietal that is unique to South Tyrol, yielding fruity and light red wine despite the old 80- years-old vineyards. Schiava vineyards are located on the slopes of Breitbach, a smaller fraction of the village of Kurtatsch in South Tyrol. Hand harvested.

Vinification

Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel.

Aging

Aged for six months in stainless steel.

To enter into the world of Castelfeder is to soar across an unspoken threshold into the lush valleys of the high Adige River, hence the regional name, Alto Adige. Driving from Lake Garda, north from Veneto, through Trentino, you discover yourself, without warning, in what feels, sounds, and tastes like German wine country. Apple trees cover the valley floor, rubbing shoulders with Schiava, Pinot Grigio, and Lagrein vines. The generational devotion of the Giovanett family is deeply Italian--the winery is run by the third generation of grape growers. Alfons Giovanett founded the Castelfeder winery in 1969 and it is now his son, Gunther, and grandson, Ivan, who have taken over the management of the winery.

This transition to the younger generation has brought a delightful qualitative shift as well as a more modern production approach. While other nearby producers are making Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio that is mineral and acidic, Castelfeder produces wines that are lean and light with texture and depth as an added dimension. Vinifying exclusively in stainless steel for Mont Mes and the Classic “Cru” designated line, Castelfeder excels in bringing out the purest, freshest expression of their terroir. The Burgum Novum Riserve level wines see oak aging for 18 months before bottling. Their mark of elegance is an inviting creaminess on the mid-palette.