GRAF Riesling Südtirol DOC 2023

"Graf" Riesling Südtirol DOC 2023 / Cantina Merano / South-Tirol
White wine from Italy

In 2010, the two long-established winery cooperatives of the Burggrafamt – Burggräfler Kellerei and Weinkellerei Meran – joined forces. This partnership gave rise to Kellerei Meran Burggräfler, which today boasts 380 members and manages over 260 hectares of vineyards. In doing so, it unites the western wine-growing region of South Tyrol—from Lana in the south through Meran to Riffian in the north and from Algund to Kastelbell in the west—under one roof. Quality is of the utmost importance in every aspect – in the vineyard, in the work, and in the glass only the very best will do. The origin and provenance of the grapes must be discernible in every glass, ensuring that the wine remains ever true to its roots. It is all about transparency, character, and authenticity – values that transform each bottle into a unique experience.

Riesling is one of the most noble and celebrated white grape varieties in the world, with a heritage spanning more than 600 years. Originally hailing from the Upper Rhine Valley, it was first noted in an invoice from Rüsselsheim in 1435 – a quiet testament to its enigmatic beginnings. Over the centuries, Riesling captured the hearts of wine lovers along the Rhine, the Moselle, and in the historic Rheingau. It gained international renown in the 19th century and found its ideal expression in regions such as South Tyrol during the 20th century. There, in the Eisack Valley and the Vinschgau, the alpine climate coupled with mineral-rich soils imparts an unmistakable freshness and elegant delicacy to the wine. The vine itself enchants with its delicate, deeply lobed leaves and small, golden grapes, which impress with their intense sweetness, vibrant acidity, and complex aromas. This harmonious blend of centuries-old tradition and meticulous craftsmanship makes Riesling a true jewel of the wine world – a pleasure that continually delights.

The Riesling Südtirol DOC from Cantina Merano originates from the prestigious ‘Graf’ range and embodies elegant, characterful wines from selected vineyards. By maintaining a strict yield reduction, the noble name and high standards of quality are fully honoured. The vines are situated in Meran, within the Vinschgau, at an average altitude of 700 metres above sea level, thriving on light, well-draining soils composed of morainic debris. The grapes are hand-harvested between September and mid-October and are gently pressed as whole clusters. A subsequent spontaneous fermentation in small stainless-steel tanks under controlled temperatures, followed by six months of lees ageing – without biological deacidification – completes this skilfully orchestrated production process. The result is an authentic Riesling that singularly expresses its origin, character, and the rich tradition of its terroir.

The ‘Graf’ Riesling from the Vinschgau captivates in the glass with its brilliant yellow hue, subtly tinged with green – reminiscent of the gentle morning light over the Alps. Its bouquet reveals a harmonious interplay of fresh citrus nuances, juicy green apple, and delicate floral accents, rounded off by a hint of mineral depth that recalls damp slate soils. On the palate, the South Tyrolean Riesling is elegant and well-balanced: lively acidity frames the delicate notes of apple and lime, complemented by a fine touch of peach and the characteristic minerality that culminates in a long, harmonious finish.

To fully enjoy this wine, it is recommended to serve it slightly chilled – ideally between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius. In this way, the ‘Graf’ Riesling Südtirol DOC from Cantina Merano in the Vinschgau – a truly exceptional wine – unfolds its unique blend of elegance, freshness, and characterful nuances. It proves to be an excellent companion to light dishes such as fresh salads, delicate fish, subtle seafood, or even Asian-inspired fare, where its refined structure and fruity spice harmoniously enrich the entire meal. Equally impressive as an aperitif – the very first sip awakens the palate and provides a refreshing start to any convivial gathering. Every drop is an experience, reflecting the unique imprint of its origin and the masterful art of winemaking – a delight for all those who seek something extraordinary.

General properties

• Vintage: 2023
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: South-Tirol
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Kellerei Meran Burggräfler Gen. Landw. Ges. - Via Cantina 9 - 39020 Marlengo (BZ) - Italia - +39 0473 447137
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC)
• Grape variety: 100% Riesling.
  
• Cultivation zone: Merano, Vinschgau at an altitude of 600 to 750m.
  
• Soils: Light, permeable moraine debris.
• Winemaking: The grapes are harvested by hand between September and mid-October, followed by gentle whole-bunch pressing. Subsequent fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures in small stainless-steel tanks. Ageing on the fine lees lasts for 6 months. No malolactic fermentation takes place.
  
• Sensory characteristics: The aromas are reminiscent of peach, flint, and citrus fruits. The taste is fresh, full-bodied with well-integrated fruit acidity and a beautiful persistence.
  
• Colour: Greenish yellow.
  
• Alcohol content: 13.0 % Vol.
• Residual sugar: 3.1 g/l
• Acidity: 6.4 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork.
• Serving suggestion: Seafood, oysters, light Asian dishes and as an aperitif.
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 10 and 12°C.
• Ingredients: Grapes, rectified grape must concentrate, preservatives and antioxidants: Sulphites, L-ascorbic acid, acidity regulator: Tartaric acid, stabilisers: Gum arabic.
• Allergens: Contains sulphites.
• Warning: Consumption of alcoholic beverages during pregnancy, even in small quantities, can have serious consequences for the health of the child.
• EAN (bottle): 8028677464019
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres.

Grape variety

RIESLING

Riesling is widely regarded as one of the most noble and celebrated white grape varieties in the world, boasting a fascinating history that spans over 600 years. Originally hailing from the Upper Rhine Valley, the first written record dates back to 1435, when an ancient invoice from Rüsselsheim made mention of “riesslingen in den wingarten”. This subtle testimony imbues the grape with an air of mystery, marking the commencement of a long-standing tradition. Over the course of the 16th to 18th centuries, Riesling spread along the majestic Rhine and the idyllic Moselle. In the culturally rich Rheingau - where viticulture is woven into the very fabric of local life—meticulous care by devoted vintners laid the foundation of a legacy defined by its distinctive style and extraordinary aromas. Their passion and expertise transformed Riesling into a wine whose harmonious blend of vibrant acidity and enticing fruitiness soon captivated even the most discerning connoisseurs. The 19th century saw Riesling achieve international renown, largely thanks to its sweet wines that exude elegance and finesse with every sip. Each drop struck a harmonious balance between fruity sweetness and sharp acidity, earning the variety widespread acclaim around the globe. By the 20th century, Riesling had found new homes in emerging European wine regions - among them, South Tyrol. In South Tyrol, the noble Riesling reaches its full potential in the elevated vineyards of the Eisack Valley and the Vinschgau. Here, the alpine climate, combined with mineral-rich soils, creates a unique terroir that bestows the wine with its unmistakable freshness and refined subtlety. Traditional winemaking practices, carefully handed down through the generations, bring the distinctive aromas fully to life, ensuring that South Tyrolean Riesling continually wins the hearts of wine enthusiasts. Yet, it is not only the impeccable wine itself that enchants, but also the vine from which it is born. The leaves of the Riesling vine are medium-sized, rounded and deeply lobed, with serrated edges that lend them a delicate and distinctive appearance. The grapes cluster in small to medium-sized bunches, displaying gentle hues ranging from yellowish green to radiant gold. Their thin skins, marked by an intense sweetness, high acidity and pronounced aroma, captivate both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike. The vine grows with a medium to vigorous vigour, often adopting an upright form that bestows it with a majestic presence in the vineyard. Its late blossoming helps to protect it from frost, ensuring an optimal start to the growing season. Similarly, the grapes mature late - typically from September until October, depending on the specific region - thus allowing ample time for the development of complex, multifaceted flavours. Riesling thrives best on calcareous, slate-rich or stony soils, which, owing to their excellent drainage, provide ideal conditions for robust root growth. Although the plant is somewhat susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, it demonstrates a commendable resistance to cooler temperatures - a trait that makes its cultivation in challenging climates not only possible, but highly successful. Thanks to its late ripening and pronounced acidity, the Riesling grape is exceptionally well-suited for storage and ageing, allowing intricate, nuanced flavours to evolve over time and impart each wine with a remarkable depth and finesse. This harmonious fusion of centuries-old tradition, botanical beauty and precise craftsmanship renders Riesling a true jewel of the wine world - a wine that enchants not only admirers of sweet creations, but all those who seek something truly extraordinary.

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Bulk discount:

• 3 x GRAF Riesling Südtirol DOC 2023
• 6 x GRAF Riesling Südtirol DOC 2023