Chardonnay Riserva Freienfeld Alto Adige AOC - Kurtatsch - 2020

75 cl

James Suckling: 94 points

Alcohol content: 14% vol.

Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Vinifcation:

Fermentation in blond & medium toasted French barriques. Barriques with subsequent ageing (incl. bâtonnage) for 12 months without malolactic fermentation. Aged on the fine lees for 6 months in large oak barrels.

Tasting note:

The Chardonnay is characterised by stylish opulence, with lots of exotic fruit and delicate, highly refined roasted aromas. The complex bouquet is reminiscent of ripe citrus fruits, coconuts and a hint of vanilla. Extract and acidity form a delightful balance. The flavour is round, with velvety fruit and pleasantly integrated tannins. A multi-layered, elegant Chardonnay with great ageing potential.

The Winery Kurtatsch is a renowned Wine-growing co-operative in the south of South Tyrol, which is renowned for its extreme variations in altitude and its precise, terroir-driven wines.

The vineyards stretch across the municipality Kurtatsch on the Wine Route.

Altitude: A unique range of 220 to 900 metres above sea level over short distances.

Orientation: Mostly steep, leading towards East and South-East slopes facing in that direction.

Floors: Extremely varied, ranging from calcareous gravelly soils at higher altitudes to loamy, warm soils in the valley floors.

The winery is not owned by a single individual but is organised as a co-operative.

Structure: A consortium comprising 190 small-scale family-run businesses.

Area: Together, we account for around 190 hectares Vineyard under cultivation.

Guided tour: Led by a young, dynamic team headed by the President Andreas Kofler.

The enormous variation in altitude characterises the entire range and divides it into two distinct worlds:

The white wines (Alpin & Elegant): They thrive in higher altitudes (up to 900 m). They are characterised by freshness, crisp acidity, subtle minerality and lively elegance (e.g. the white wine cuvée Amos or Müller-Thurgau). 

The red wines (Full-bodied & Rich): Grown in the hot, low-lying areas of the Adige Valley. They are full-bodied, intense and long-lasting (e.g. the Bordeaux blends Tres and Freienfeld as well as Merlot and Cabernet from the top vineyard Brenntal).

Philosophy: Focus on Zoning and sustainability. Each grape variety is planted exactly where it finds its ideal microclimate, so that the terroir is captured in the bottle in its purest form.

Architecture: The modern, spectacular new building of the Kurtatsch Winery visually reflects this minimalist, floor-centred style.