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

After a rainy spring and a sluggish start to summer, August brought the long-awaited turnaround: Sunny and warm days encouraged the ripening of the grapes and allowed early varieties to reach very good quality. Harvest began at the end of August under nearly perfect conditions, accompanied by stable weather lasting into September. With the onset of autumn rains, the harvest of late-ripening red wines became more challenging due to demanding weather conditions. Nevertheless, the vintage produced exciting white wines and early-ripening red wines of remarkable quality.

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.