Description
Due to its proximity to the Austrian border, Cantina Valle Isarco also carries the German name “Eisacktaler Kellerei”. Founded in 1961, it is considered one of Italy’s most prestigious co-operatives and currently has 130 members from 11 municipalities in Varna, Bressanone, Funes/Tiso, Velturno, Chiusa, Laion, Castelrotto, Villandro, Barbiano, Fié and Renon. The vineyards, which span 346 acres in total are located in the northernmost winegrowing zone of Trentino-Alto Adige or Südtirol (South Tyrol, in German), on the southern side of the Alps. This picturesque region boasts majestic mountains interspersed with quaint Alpine farmhouses, castles, monasteries, little villages and terraced vineyards enclosed within neat low stone walls. Situated on fairly steep slopes that range in elevation from 1300-1950 feet above sea-level, the vineyards are planted to Sylvaner, Müller Thurgau, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Grigio, Kerner, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Riesling for the whites. Reds include Schiava, Klausner-Laitacher, Pinot Nero, Lagrein and Zweigelt. Despite its Alpine location, Trentino-Alto Adige enjoys a very warm summer climate with cool evenings, resulting in grapes that mature with a high sugar content. The light and gravelly soils are mineral-rich, yielding wines of elegance and complexity.
Invented in Germany in 1969 (although there is some debate over the exact date), Kerner was not named for the vine’s breeder, but for a nineteenth century German writer of drinking songs. It is a cross between Riesling and Trollinger (a.k.a. Sciava Grossa). It prefers the light gravelly sandy soils of the higher altitude, sunny hillsides of the mid Valle Isarco. Despite their late ripening period, these grapes provide a highly acclaimed full-bodied and tasty wine. This bottling is 100% Kerner, harvested at the beginning of October. The grapes for this wine were delicately crushed, and then fermented on lees in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, resulting in this fresh, aromatic white wine.
Pale gold, with an aromatic nose full of fresh, tropical fruit and sweet green herbs. The palate is light in body and full of character, showing flavors of papaya, passion fruit and lemon rind, and sweet basil. The finish shows a soft wet stone component and a bright, thirst-quenching acidity.
