Stachlburg Vinschgauer Blauburgunder

Italy’s Alpine beauty of a wine region,  the mountainous glacial valley of Northern Italy region of Trentino-Alto Adige is located just south of Austria. It is made up of 2 separate regions - Trentino and Alto Adige (a.k.a. Südtirol). The regions are heavily influenced by Austrian-Italian cultures.  Alto Adige is quite tiny at only 13,000 acres but the region varies enough to have 7 distinct growing sub-regions.  Vineyards in Alto Adige creep up the sides of glacial valleys in horizontal rows.

Stachlburg Vinschgauer Blauburgunder  2016

Alto Adige Südtirol DOC, Italy

Baron Sigmund von Kripp founded the Stachlburg wine estate in 1990 whereby he first planted with Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder) and Chardonnay. The castle itself is family owned since 1547.  Steepest terraced vineyards at 650 meters, Vinschgau can only be reached by foot and the grapes are brought down by ropeway - hence only hand picked. Climate is sunny and dry in summer, best conditions for picky Pinot Noir - sustainably made and farmed. Vinified in steel tanks at controlled temperature, then ages for 18 months in small oak barriques with a small amount new.  4000 bottles were produced. Can be aged for 6 -8 years

12% abv

Pours in the glass a pale ruby red color with garnet rim.

Swirl and elegant wild red berries, forest floor, wet leaves, earthy, smoke and cloves, cured meat (bacon) and leather.

Sip and fresh (medium+/high) acidity envelops the soft medium tannins while the lively flavors of cranberry, raspberry, cherry,rose petal cloves wet leaves forest floor earthy milk chocolate vanilla tobacco medium+ acid medium - soft tannins medium+ finish. It has elegance, depth and complexity. It just envelopes you like a silk scarf or a warm hug.

Pairing with roasted salmon with bacon & farro risotto, lobster ravioli, wild mushroom & goat cheese pizza.