Region: Südtirol-Alto Adige, Italy

Varietal: 100% Sylvaner

Tasting notes: Bright greenish-yellow in the glass, this Sylvaner shows a pleasantly fresh and fruity nose with hints of peach, apple and apricot. On the palate, the fruit flavors continue through with a nice mineral backbone and good clean finish. A crisp, fresh and harmonious wine from start to finish.

Producer: Located in the Valle Isarco, the most Northerly wine producing area of the majestic mountainous region of Alto Adige. Cantina Valle Isarco is one of the youngest cooperatives here, but has swiftly built a reputation for producing high quality wines of regional distinction. Though the cooperative itself may be young, evidence suggests that Valle Isarco has very old winemaking roots, dating back as far as 500 BC! The Cantina was founded 1961 by 24 members, and (after a series of unfortunate events, resulting in the devastation of the winery, not once but twice!) in 1975 they consolidated their resources to build a brand new, state of the art winery, equipped with the latest technology and modern equipment. Today the Cantina is made up of 135 members, located across the valley on steep terraced vineyards, ranging from 300m – 950m above sea level. Due to how steep the slopes are, almost all the grapes are hand harvested, ensuring uncompromised quality of fruit. The vignerons benefit from dry, sunny ripening periods and mineral rich soils, ideal conditions for these expressive, aromatic white wines. White wine makes up 95% of their production, working with classic regional varieties such as Kerner, Sylvaner, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Müller Thurgau and Gewürztraminer. Although whites are their focus, they have also found success with varietals such as Pinot Noir, Zweigelt, Lagrein and Schiava. Cantina Valle Isarco’s wines display beautiful freshness, minerality and regional typicity, their entry level range offers fantastic value for money. Whilst their premium range “Aristos” uses top quality grapes from across of the valley to produce wines with brilliant focus, strong character, depth and elegance.

Vineyard and Winemaking: Sylvaner, most probably originally from Germany, was introduced to Alto Adige around 1900. Today it is cultivated mainly in the Valle Isarco. Sylvaner prefers the well-ventilated and sunny hillsides at intermediate altitudes, in the mid Valle Isarco. The loose and gravelly soils provide this wine with unique structure and although similar to its homonyms from the other side of the Alps, it retains the unmistakable typicality of Valle Isarco wines.