Schiava Gentile DOC 2023

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 2023 winegrowing year was characterized by changeable weather and the resulting increased work in the vineyard. A snow-deficient winter and a warm March accelerated the start of vegetation. A typical April and a rainy May led to flowering close to the long-term average. June was unstable, with heat waves and drought. July brought a lot of rain coupled with some very hot days. Despite extreme temperature fluctuations in August, a golden autumn brought us a successful grape harvest with very good grape qualities overall.

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.