Schiava Gentile DOC 2022

Origin

The Schiava (= Vernatsch, from the Latin „vernaculus“ to „native“) has a long tradition in Alto Adige and in the Middle Age it was known as „Farnatzer.“ Until a few decades ago, 80 per cent of the area in South Tyrol has been cultivated with Schiava. Meanwhile, that percentage has dropped to below 20 percent. However, the Schiava is still the most widely planted variety in the region.

Vintage

The winter months of 2022 were markedly poor in precipitation. Only April brought significant rain and replenished the groundwater somewhat. May was one of the warmest on record and gave a strong boost to vegetation. The entire summer was marked by drought and was reminiscent of the summers of 2003 and 2015. The ripening of the grapes progressed rapidly and already on August 24 the first grapes were delivered to the winery. As the autumn also brought hardly any precipitation, the grape harvest went smoothly and excellent grapes were harvested. As early as mid-October, the grape harvest came to an end.

Tasting notes

– light cherry red
– aromatic, fruity nose, dominated by cherry and raspberry tones, with hints of bitter almonds
– middle-bodied, very soft on the palate, a pure drinking pleasure

Recommendation

This wine is ideal as an aperitif, an accompaniment to appetizers, or to typical Tyrolean fare such as speck and sausage, but also to lighter meats and mild cheeses.

Vinification

One week fermentation on the skins at a temperature of 24°C, malo-lactic fermentation and 4-month ageing on the fine lees in stainless steel and large casks.

Vineyard

South- and east-facing slopes at an altitude of 230 – 350 meters above sea level. Loamy, chalky gravel with a low proportion of sand.