Cantina Kurtatsch

Pinosé stands for Pinot Noir Rosé. Pinosé comes in part from our best Pinot noir lots. Because the juice is obtained without pressing (Saignée method) and the grapes come from vineyards with highly reduced yield (55 hl/ha), it is a very complex, high-quality rosé wine. Its provocative bouquet is reminiscent of fresh raspberries and forest berries. On the palate, Pinosé shows itself lively and elegant. Its fine tannin structure gives this rosé a surprisingly long-lasting and juicy finish.

The name of the wine village of Kurtatsch comes from the Latin term "Curtis" (higher-lying farm). Bordeaux varieties were planted in Kurtatsch already around 1900. The geographic location of Kurtatsch in the south of Alto Adige is considered optimal for the heat-loving Merlot, Cabernet franc and Cabernet sauvignon grapes. Merlot gives the wine body and soft tannins. The peppery spice comes from Cabernet franc, and Cabernet sauvignon contributes its blackcurrants. The Cantina Kurtatsch Cuvée CURTIS unites these varieties in a wine with fullness and elegance. Curtis, the Mediterranean-Alpine Bordeaux blend.

Vineyards with western exposure in the southernmost part of Alto Adige, with their comfortably cool microclimates, constitute the most suitable locations for this variety with such exacting site requirements. Long-lasting, mild evening sun brings forth the typical Burgundy aromas on these clayey soils. In this way, the wine develops its lacy fruitiness of cherries, redcurrants and red forest berries which is underlined by its spicy aromas. On the palate this wine is fresh, with elegant body and juicy tannins. Enjoy lightly cooled (16°C/61°F).

Pinot Grigio is often grown at low elevations and machine harvested. Our Pinot Grigio Selection consists only of grapes harvested by hand from reduced-yield hillsides and steep slopes. The large temperature differences between day and night in these vineyards is the magic that lends the wine its distinctive aroma of white peaches, fresh flowers and citrus fruits. In the mouth, the wine is juicy and round. The creamy texture is complemented by fresh, animating acidity. This is mainly thanks to the higher-elevation Pinot grigio vines. An expressive wine with a mineral, salty finish.

The Kerner grape is a cross between Schiava (Vernatsch) and Riesling. The south-east facing vineyards at 800 m a.s.l. are ideal for the cool climate grape variety. Due to the high temperature difference between day and night, the grapes retain their firm acidity and develop intense fruit and flower aromas of yellow peach and lilac during the long ripening period. The Kerner Selection owes its pleasant minerality to the calcareous, gravelly-loamy dolomite soil. The firm acidity supports the minerality on the palate and ends in a long, juicy finish.

Lagrein is the oldest autochthonous grape variety in Alto Adige and is genetically related to Syrah. This heat-loving variety profits from the hot climate in the vineyards of southernmost Alto Adige. Through diligent care in the vineyard (reduced yield) and in the cellar (controlled fermentation and ageing in large oak barrels) a powerful, dark red wine from these selected lots of Lagrein is created. On the palate, fine-grained, juicy tannins give the wine a sharp outline while preserving its elegance. Meaty Lagrein fruit is accompanied by hearty notes of spice, which contributes to the fiery finale. Its youthful freshness is completed by a long, juicy finish.

The German name for Schiava, "Vernatsch", derives from Latin "vernaculus", "native", and refers to its far-reaching history in Alto Adige. In the oldest written documentations, Schiava grigia was already named as the noblest of the Schiava varieties. This demanding Schiava clone excels on airy, sunny hillsides. On loamy, calciferous dolomite soils it develops into a harmonious wine with silky tannins. Herbal and spicy notes unite with enticing cherry, raspberry and forest fruit aromas. We recommend drinking this wine lightly cooled (13°C/55°F). Our Schiava grigia is perfectly suited to pizza, white meats or fish dishes.

The demanding Gewürztraminer grape prefers warm, airy locations with deep, loamy soils. These prerequisites are found in Brenntal to the northwest of Kurtatsch.From the red loamy soils, the Gewürztraminer obtains its multifaceted aromatics: lychee, roses, mango, caramelized orange peel and lavender. On the palate, the wine is creamy-textured with elegant acidity which balances with its muscular body. The wine reaches its full complexity after extended ageing in the cellar and the bottle. Because of this, it is released two years after harvest as a reserve wine. Its ageing capability of up to 20 years is enormous.

The name "FREIENFELD" stems from the Renaissance manor of the same name in which the winery was founded in 1900. At this early time, the sunny slopes of Kurtatsch and their porous, calciferous dolomite soils showed their potential for Cabernet.Only in years of optimal weather conditions do we make FREIENFELD. In the nose, dark berries and Mediterranean herbs dominate (bay laurel, marjoram, lavender). Its plump fruitiness is carried by fine-grained tannins. Notes of peppermint and stone pine bear witness to its Alpine origin. The accompanying smooth tannins and invigorating acidity suggest its very long potential for ageing.

Lagrein, genetically related to Syrah, is the oldest autochthonous grape variety in Alto Adige. In the hot, low-lying vineyards in the south of Alto Adige, heat-loving Lagrein finds its appropriate habitat. FRAUENHÜGEL has an abundance of seductive fruit such as forest berries and elderberries, black cherries and cocoa beans. The wine is enriched by balsamic tannins through ageing in barrique barrels. Noble roast aromas and vivid acidity are harmoniously interconnected with the powerfully fruity body. The loamy soil is responsible for its typical terroir characteristics which give the fruity finish savory spiciness (licorice) and an individual earthy note.

Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet franc were planted already shortly after our founding year of 1900 because of the southern location of Kurtatsch. The warm microclimate and porous soils promote the physiological maturity of these noble grape varieties. Cabernet sauvignon gives KIRCHHÜGEL its fruity blackcurrants and blackberries, while Cabernet franc brings in the spicy herbal aromas (pepper and mint). A fine nerve of acidity runs through its muscular body giving it sinew and impressive stamina in the bottle. The patience of waiting will be rewarded after long bottle ageing with fascinating tertiary aromas of cedar wood and suede.

Our Cuvée AMOS showcases the terroir potential of the higher elevation Kurtatsch vineyards. AMOS is created from the best handpicked white grapes from the coolest vineyards between 600 - 900 m a.s.l.. Exactly this interplay of varieties and locations makes AMOS so original in character and style. To preserve its mountain freshness, we abstained from using barriques. Long ageing on the fine lees in large wooden barrels adds complexity. Neutral Burgundy varieties constitute the compact foundation (70%) while Kerner and Sauvignon give the wine its seductive bouquet of white peach, apricot, flowers and citrus fruits. This results in a multilayered, incomparable blend.

Kofl, in the Alpine area of German-speakers, means "mountain knoll". The proximity of these steep slopes to the westerly mountain range guarantees an early sunset. The evening fall winds provide for important cooling of the delicate grapes. With the high share of limestone in the porous soil rich in dolomite, the Penon- Kofl vineyards constitute ideal terroir for Sauvignons with long potential for ageing. Its bouquet stands out with notes of exotic fruits, gooseberries and kiwi along with sage and elderflowers. Dynamics and power unite in an impressive way. Mineral backbone gives KOFL additional complexity and length. An expressive wine without being loud.

The unique geological and geographical conditions in the hamlet of Penon at 600 m a.s.l. give occasion to the production of an incomparable sparkling wine with distinctive terroir characteristics. In 2014, the first "600" vintage was produced. The hand-picked Chardonnay grapes stem only from old vines. After bottle fermentation, the sparkling wine matures for 55 months on the lees. In the glass: stable and fine perlage. Fruity nuances of white peach and yellow exotic fruits, some quince, spiced bread and brioche. Creamy and yet taut texture, mineral and salty in the finish.

Schiava SONNTALER unites our oldest vineyards. The vines are between 60 and 90 years old. Old vines produce inherently lower and therefore higher quality yields. Traditionally, SONNTALER is an assemblage of different Schiava varieties with a large share of Schiava grigia. Ideal terroir and traditional ageing in large Slavonian wooden barrels result in a wine with complex aromas of raspberries, wild strawberries, cherries and redcurrants. Its elegant, lean body is gripping on the palate. Fine-grained tannins give the smooth fruitiness typical for the variety a long, hearty finish.

Chardonnay Freienfeld, a blend of the best Chardonnay grapes, is produced only in years with optimal weather conditions. Originality and cultivation in harmony with nature are the guidelines in the vineyard. This Chardonnay is characterized by stylish opulence with lots of exotic fruit and delicate, choice roast aromas. The complex bouquet is reminiscent of ripe citrus fruits, coconut with a hint of vanilla. Extract and acidity form an appealing balance. Round on the palate, with velvety fruit and pleasantly integrated tannins. A multifaceted, elegant Chardonnay with great ageing potential.

To tap the enormous potential of this grape variety, consequent attention in the vineyard along with strongly reduced yield and a top location are necessary. In the high-lying hamlet of Penon from 450 to 700 m a.s.l., yield is inherently lower. The elevation and the porous dolomite soil result in an elegant, structured wine. Owing to the lengthy period of ripening, PENON develops a meaty mineral structure in addition to its dense body and invigorating acidity. The bouquet is highly complex and reminiscent of yellow peaches, old pear varieties and cantaloupe. A wine that shows what Pinot grigio can be.

The Müller Thurgau grape, a cross between Riesling and Madeleine Royal, develops its unique character at the higher-elevation hamlet of Graun at over 800 m a.s.l.. Graun has one of the highest levels of sun intensity in Alto Adige and exhibits massive day/night temperature swings. These conditions result in an original Müller Thurgau with distinctive floral, herbal and fruit aromas of white peach and yellow plums). The bracing, peppermint-fresh acidity is preserved through ageing in stainless steel. Slender minerality gives the wine additional contours.

The hamlet of Hofstatt lies above the village of Kurtatsch. Cooling fall winds in the evening provide for great temperature swings between day and night and create an ideal, breezy microclimate.The mineral-rich structure of dolomite, quartz, mica and clay minerals is still visible in house or dry masonry walls in this hamlet and characterizes this extraordinary single site wine HOFSTATT. In the glass, it shines with delicate apple and pear, ripe lime and lemon balm aromas. On the palate, these are accompanied by discreet notes of Alpine flowers and herbs. The straightforward wine gains smooth texture through its ageing in large oak barrels, rounding out the lively acidity.

The dessert wine blend ARUNA is a unique and unmistakable meditation wine. Gewürztraminer is seen as one of the most difficult varieties in the vineyard – Moscato giallo develops its delicate aroma only at extraordinary good locations.These two demanding wines have been united at the highest of levels in our "Passito" ARUNA. Its overwhelming interplay of aromas spotlights mountain apricots, Bartlett pears, lavender honey and ripe exotic fruits. Gewürztraminer brings in extract sweetness and structure. Moscato giallo lends the wine dynamic freshness. Its juicy fruity finish is accompanied by a stimulating, vibrating interplay of acidity and sugar and ensures gloriously balanced, drinkable pleasure.

The Brenntal location north of the village of Kurtatsch belongs among the warmest locations ( up to 40°C/104°F) in Alto Adige. The vines on these steep slopes with its intensive sunshine grow on red, sandy loam. In the evening, the fleshy grapes are cooled by fresh fall winds. This unique terroir produces a Merlot which stands because of its power and dark fruitiness (lingonberries, blackberries), but at the same time retains its Alpine character (green tea, white pepper). This fruit is joined on the palate by dense, velvety tannins. Delicate acidity gives the wine balance and an impressively long finish.

In our Cuvée SOMA (ancient Greek for body), we have united the warmest vineyards from the lowermost slopes of Cantina Kurtatsch. The vineyard lots on sandy, loamy soil are ideal for growing noble Bordeaux varieties because of the geographic location of the village in the southernmost part of Alto Adige. These varieties were planted in Kurtatsch already at the beginning of the 20th century. In SOMA, Merlot, with its fruitiness, sets the pace, while Cabernet franc und Cabernet sauvignon lend it spiciness, elegance and depth. In the nose, aromas of cherries, blackberries and prunes dominate. On the palate, the presence of tannins give the round body additional balance and form the basis for longer bottle ageing.

Pinot noir needs cooler locations with low sun intensity as well as loamy conglomerate soil, which it finds on the opposite side of the Adige valley. The sites MAZON and GLEN are the best-known Pinot noir locations in Italy. The Pinot noir from the lower lying location of MAZON is characterized by its unique complexity. This profound wine needs a long period of ageing. Only then does it display its full potential with notes of black cherries, forest fruits and violets. These aromas are echoed on the palate and enriched by delicate roast aromas. The bold acidity and slender minerality enliven the dense structure of the wine.

Pinot noir is the only grape variety which is not grown in Kurtatsch. Pinot noir needs cool locations with low sun intensity, which it finds on the opposite side of the valley. The sites MAZON and GLEN are the best-known Pinot noir locations in Italy. The higher location of GLEN is characterized by great swings in temperature between day and night. Our Riserva GLEN is fine and fresh in the nose, with hollyhock-like sweetness. On the palate it is velvety and extraordinarily elegant. Echoes of fresh raspberries and wild cherries give the discreet fruity sweetness a juicy and delicately spicy backbone.

Only ten hectares of Moscato rosa exist in Alto Adige. The grapevine is highly demanding. Much manual labor is necessary in the vineyard. Its blossom is female and is not self-pollinating. This often leads to poor fruit set and extremely low yield. The tiny, partially seedless berries contain breathtaking concentrations of aromas reminiscent of dried rose petals, candied strawberries and oriental spices. During its long, courageous period of skin contact, USHAS develops a spicy outline of tannins which melds harmoniously with the aromas of rose hips, cinnamon and orange peel. Extra-sweet finish with invigorating acidity.

The name "Caliz" comes from the Latin words Calix (calyx) and Calx (chalk). Chardonnay Caliz grows solely on light gravel soils with large shares of dolomite limestone. The yield is reduced to 70 hl per hectare of vineyards. Its delicate bouquet is reminiscent of ripe pineapple, baby bananas and lime zest. This characteristic Mediterranean fruitiness is complemented by tight acidity structure from selected lots of Chardonnay from higher-lying vineyards. Through longer ageing on the fine lees in large oak barrels, the wine gains complexity and consistency. The large day/night temperature swings lend the wine additional spiciness, Caliz's finish is long and salty.

The name 'Arenis' comes from Italian "arenaria rossa", or red sandstone. This rock lends the sandy and loamy soils of the eastern-facing vineyards their striking color. The vineyards between 300 and 400m a.s.l. in the south of Alto Adige are not only considered the ideal terroir, but also the native habitat of the Gewürztraminer grape with its demanding site requirements. Due to the heavily reduced yield of the vines, Arenis is very complex in aromas: roses, litchee, jasmine and exotic spices. A decisive mineral backbone gives the full-bodied wine prolonged freshness. Arenis is expressive yet highly drinkable and maintains the perfect balance between intensity and elegance.

Since the first decades of the 20th century, Pinot bianco has been the most important Alto Adige white wine. Favorable cool hillsides between 500-650 m a.s.l. are perfect for this wine; here it reaches its best. It develops its typical aromas of fresh apples and pears and keeps its racy, invigorating acidity. This makes the wine an unmistakable representative of its terroir. The vines grow on gravelly, limestone dolomite, making this a Pinot bianco which takes you by surprise with salty minerality in the mouth, lending the wine an additionally long finish.

Müller Thurgau is a cross between Riesling and Madeleine Royal. The vineyards are found solely at elevations between 750 and 900 m a.s.l.. Especially when nearing ripeness of the grapes, there are very large temperature swings between day and night. This gives the wine its distinctively fruity/spicy aroma of yellow peaches, mountain herbs and nutmeg. The peppermint-fresh acidity is harmoniously interwoven with the fruity body. This elegant, fruity mountain wine is perfect with flavorful first courses or as an aperitif.

Sauvignon vines prefer airy sites with limestone soils such as the steep slopes of Cantina Kurtatsch between 450 and 600 m a.s.l.. The evening fall winds provide cooling climate regulation. On these deep, gravelly dolomite chalk soils, a type of dainty Sauvignon develops that is reminiscent of elderflowers, gooseberries and exotic fruits. In the mouth it is balanced and juicy. The lively acidity gives its body a striking outline. Typical for this Sauvignon Selection is the salty notes on the palate, which draws the finish out in length.