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Here you are really in the south of South Tyrol. In addition to wine, the landscape is characterised by cypresses and, in the meantime, more and more olive trees. The wines have very different characteristics due to the differences in altitude. Powerful Cabernet and Merlot wines grow in the hot, low areas, while white wines of exceptional breed and finesse are produced in the high areas, where vines are grown at altitudes of up to 1,000 metres.

Kurtatsch Winery

Like almost all cooperatively organised wineries in South Tyrol, the Kurtatsch Winery mainly produced large quantities of simple wines until the 1980s, which were sold open or in litre bottles at low prices locally or to neighbouring countries to the north. The quality boom that began in the mid-1980s also led to a rethink in Kurtatsch, and nowadays the wines from South Tyrol's southernmost comrades are among the top wines of the growing region. Despite all the changes, the people of Kurtatsch have retained a pleasant down-to-earthness and calm. The wines are still cellared in the winery building below Kurtatsch, which was built in 1924 and has remained largely unchanged both externally and internally. Due to the change from mass to class, it offers sufficient space and radiates a certain generosity. The winery was founded as early as 1900, and the former winery buildings in the historic Ansitz Freienfeld have been used for a number of years for the maturation of barrique wines and as storage for the extensive archive of mature wines.

Chairman Edmund Morandell% Cellar master Othmar Doná and Paul Tauferer in the historic wine cellar "Freienfeld" (from left to right; Source: Kurtatsch Winery)

The wines - with the exception of the Blauburgunder "Glen" - all come from the vineyards in and around Kurtatsch. And the vineyards of Kurtatsch have it all. Especially when it comes to the differences in altitude, which range from 200 to 900 metres. These differences in altitude, as well as the diverse soil structure, are the prerequisites for the winery's wide range of products. In the hot, low sites such as "Brenntal", the thermometer rises to over 40 degrees in summer, providing the best conditions for full-bodied Cabernet and Merlot wines. In the high mountain sites of Penon, Pichl, Hofstatt, Kofl and Graun, it cools down considerably at night, which ensures the breed and elegance of white wines from Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon and Müller-Thurgau, which is particularly interesting here. Vernatsch, which used to account for almost the entire production of the winery, has now been reduced to 28 percent, so that only the really suitable sites are planted with this variety. With its clear, fruit-driven style, the "Sonntaler" selection is regularly among the finest wines produced from this variety. The varietal typicity is very pronounced in all wines, and the Kurtatschers are immensely reliable. Every year they present a new range of fine, high-quality wines in the basic line and top-class growths in the top range. The class of this winery is particularly evident in Cabernet-Merlot, Gewürztraminer and the sweet wine specialities "Aruna" (until 2009 this wine was called "Amrita"), a cuvée of Goldmuskateller and Gewürztraminer, as well as the Rosemuskateller "Ushas" (until 2010 "Rajas").

The wines cost between 6 and 23 euros in direct sales.

Kurtatsch Winery
Wine route 23
39040 Kurtatsch
Italy
Phone: +39 0471 880115
Fax: +39 0471 880099
E-mail: info@kellerei-kurtatsch.it
Internet: www.kellerei-kurtatsch.it

The wines of the Kurtatsch winery in the wine guide

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Winery Milla

In the early 2000s, when the euphoria of powerful, structured Cabernet and Merlot wines in South Tyrol was just dying down, Gert Pomella was faced with the decision of which varieties to plant in his vineyards. He planted Cabernet and Merlot. Nowadays it is taken for granted in South Tyrol that one grows what yields the best results in terms of quality in the respective sites. At that time it was not. When planting new vineyards, we were guided by what the market demanded at the time. If the market demanded Pinot Grigio, Pinot Grigio was planted; if it demanded Gewürztraminer, then Gewürztraminer it was. At that time, the market did not demand Cabernet and Merlot at all.

Gert Pomella planted these varieties anyway: "For one thing, because I simply like strong, structured wines better, and besides, there are no better varieties for the sites where my vineyards are located." That's true - here on the plain below Kurtatsch it's hot, and that's what the Cabernet loves above all, but also the Merlot. Here these varieties really ripen and produce full-bodied, powerful and at the same time mineral, refined wines that can be stored for a long time. And they should. These are wines that only show their true strength in maturity. Dense, mineral and demanding growths that require patience. Gert Pomella let me taste a 1998 Cabernet-Merlot. A wine still from old vineyards that were not planted according to the current qualitative standards. But even this wine was very fresh, animating and profound; not eternally long, but impressive proof that Cabernet and Merlot in South Tyrol can produce first-class wines, because they are independent and above all long-lived.

Gert Pomella (Source: Brunner)

Just as important to Gert Pomella as the optimal sites for his varieties is the near-natural cultivation of his vineyards. The Milla vineyard is not a certified organic farm, but between the rows of vines the grass sprouts so much that it is a real joy. Herbicides are taboo, and only the most necessary chemicals are used in the treatments against fungal diseases. In his close-to-nature cultivation, Gert Pomella benefits from his collaboration with Hartman Donà, one of South Tyrol's best oenologists, for whom organic is extremely important in viticulture and who cultivates his own vineyards exclusively organically.

The Pomella family also owns the traditional restaurant "Schwarz Adler" in the centre of Kurtatsch. A must on any visit to this beautiful South Tyrolean wine village. In addition to imaginative, good food, there is a wine selection here that is second to none - and: All wines are offered by the glass; a paradise for vinophile visitors to South Tyrol.

The wines cost between 17 and 25 euros.

Winery Milla - Gert Pomella
Milla 3
39040 Kurtatsch
Italy
Phone: +39 0471 880600
fax +39 0471 880601
E-mail: gert.pomella@yahoo.it
Internet: www.gertpomella.com

The wines of the Milla Winery in the wine guide

Tiefenbrunner Winery - Castel Turmhof

On entering the forecourt of the Tiefenbrunner - Castel Turmhof winery, one feels transported to a fairytale world. On the left hand side there is a fountain with fantasy figures and above the cellar entrance there are beautiful paintings with wisdoms such as "Wine and good sense lie in the house and cellar" and "The old good cellar master - every evening he sees ghosts". If you continue into the garden of the snack station belonging to the winery, you are surrounded anew by a fairytale world of various fantasy figures and the impressive, steep vineyards of the winery. Pure well-being and idyll - that is one side of the Tiefenbrunner winery.

The other side is a no-nonsense, pleasantly reserved Christof Tiefenbrunner, who studied viticulture from the bottom up and manages the family heritage in the best possible way, so that today the Tiefenbrunner name stands for absolute top quality in South Tyrolean viticulture. Christof Tiefenbrunner is responsible for a heritage that is demanding in terms of both quality and quantity. The Tiefenbrunner winery produces no less than 28 wines as well as a sparkling wine and two marc brandies. And all of this at a very demanding and, in the case of the top lines, excellent level. The wine assortment is divided into three lines: The "Classic" line with fruit-driven varietal wines; the "Turmhof" line, whose wines emphasise the characteristics of the respective variety and sites; and the "Linticlaurus" line, which delivers selection wines in need of maturity and depth. In addition, there is the exceptional wine "Feldmarschall von Fenner", a Müller-Thurgau that comes from one of the highest vineyards in Europe - above Eicholz or Roverè de la Luna and Margreid - and impressively demonstrates what is possible with this often misunderstood variety, namely a high-calibre wine in need of maturation and distinctly individual.

The fairytale fountain in Castel Turmhof (Source: Brunner)

Christof Tiefenbrunner attaches great importance to viticulture that is as close to nature as possible. But he always thinks and acts pragmatically. This means that, in principle, production takes place without chemicals, but in case of emergency, he reserves the right to use synthetic pesticides. Herbicides for weed control have been taboo in their own vineyards for a long time. Energy production is also ecologically exemplary: at Castel Turmhof, an in-house hydroelectric power plant has been supplying electricity for all the farm buildings since 1910, which is why they are not even connected to the general power grid.

Also worth mentioning: Christof Tiefenbrunner is one of the progressive producers with regard to bottle closures. He has switched to screw caps; not the entire production, but a large part of it. And: He not only closes the basic wines with the screw cap, but also his top line and thus sets an important example, especially on the Italian market, which is very important for the winery, but very backward with regard to the screw cap.

The wines cost between 5 and 30 euros in direct sales.

Tower Farm Tiefenbrunner
Fraction Entiklar
Castle path 4
39040 Kurtatsch
Italy
Phone: +39 0471 880122
Fax: +39 0471 880433
E-mail: info@tiefenbrunner.com
Internet: www.tiefenbrunner.com

The wines of the Tiefenbrunner Winery in the wine guide

For information on the Jausenstation Tiefenbrunner see Restaurant Recommendations.

Andreas Baron Widmann

Andreas Widmann is - despite his title of nobility - a winemaker in the best sense of the word. He is very down-to-earth and at home above all in the vineyard. In his vineyards he has planted the varieties best suited to the altitude and soil conditions in each case. With 15 hectares, Andreas Widmann's estate is not small for a South Tyrolean self-marketer and offers the best conditions for wines full of character and typical of the grape variety in the vineyards of Kurtatsch, which are characterised by great differences in altitude. The six wines that Andreas Widmann offers demonstrate this in an impressive way. The "Weiss" cuvée, made on the one hand from low-lying Chardonnay and Petit Manseng grapes and on the other from Pinot Blanc grapes grown at very high altitudes, offers full-bodied and very multi-layered elegance. The Goldmuskateller, whose grapes come from low sites but are harvested late, impresses with its intense, fine aroma. Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc are characterised by their elegance.

Andreas Baron Widmann (Source: Brunner)

Andreas Widmann's red wines are as different as two wines can be, and each is fascinating in its own way. The Vernatsch is a true classic: light colour, intense, flowery bouquet and fine, elegant taste - a dangerous wine because it is immensely inviting to drink. An exceptional growth for me is the Cabernet-Merlot cuvée "Auhof". Fine, deep, dark fruit aromas combine here with a full-bodied, delicately bitter taste - drinkable despite its fullness.

Andreas Widmann, who has a very traditional approach, is a pioneer when it comes to bottle closures. He was one of the first producers in South Tyrol to switch to screw caps for his white wines - a sensible decision that many others in South Tyrol still lack the courage to make.

In addition to wine, Andreas Widmann also produces excellent wine vinegar, and he has joined forces with other ambitious vinegar producers in Italy such as Pojer & Sandri from neighbouring Trentino to promote the culture of good, truly Aceto Italiano beyond Aceto Balsamico di Modena (see: www.amiciacidi.it).

The farm-gate prices range from 7 to 21 euros.

Andreas Baron Widmann
Endergasse 3
39040 Kurtatsch
Italy
Phone: +39 0471 880092
Fax: +39 0471 880468
E-mail: info@baron-widmann.it
Internet: www.baron-widmann.it

Hans Gruber

Hans Gruber's winery is located directly below the Kurtatsch winery in the middle of vineyards. At the moment you can't see much of it because the winery buildings are being renovated all around. What you do see is the Buschenschank, and this is also characteristic of Hans Gruber's self-made winery. He and his wines need conviviality. When he has the people around him who are currently enjoying and appreciating his wines, Hans Gruber feels at ease. That's why he prefers to deliver his wine himself, because that way he comes into direct contact with the end consumers or at least with those who resell his wines.

Hans Gruber (Source: Gruber)

He currently produces six varieties: the white wines Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and "Pfefferle", a Muscat with an intense aroma, as well as the red wines Vernatsch, Lagrein and Pinot Noir. These are wines that are best drunk with a hearty, hearty meal with friends.

The Buschenschank is open from May to November and offers traditional South Tyrolean dishes in addition to the house's own wines.

The wines cost between 3 and 7 euros.

Hans Gruber
Breitbach 1/A
39040 Kurtatsch
Italy
Phone: +39 0471 880322
Mobile: +39 339 7214114
Fax: +39 0471 880322
E-mail: info@weingut-gruber.com
Internet: www.weingut-gruber.com

Alois Lageder

Writing something about the Alois Lageder winery in 2013 is not at all easy. Not because there is nothing to report - on the contrary. Alois Lageder is a pioneering winery in South Tyrol that has never rested on its success and is always breaking new ground, both in terms of wine quality, but above all in terms of the biodynamic aspect of farming. Alois Lageder was one of the first in South Tyrol to recognise that the one conditions and promotes the other. Actually, everything has already been written about this (see here, among others). The fact that the wines, especially those produced on the estate's own vineyards, are among the best that South Tyrol has to offer is also nothing new. What is fascinating, however, and has been little publicised so far, is the story of how this top South Tyrolean winery came into being. And this is closely connected to Luis von Dellemann, cellar master and brother-in-law of the owner. A simple man - in the best sense of the word - because he is straightforward and open. A true South Tyrolean "swashbuckler" who has contributed a lot to the success of the winery with his skill, his diligence and his pleasantly calm and considered manner. A counterpart to the restless Alois Lageder.

When he came into the business with the marriage of Wendelgard Lageder, the wine country of South Tyrol was a distressed area in terms of quality, in which the Lageder winery was still one of those whose wines were some of the few that deserved to be called "luxury food". At that time, the winery rewarded better quality with better pay. That meant more money for better grapes. And "the winegrowers understood this language", says Luis von Dellemann. This meant that they had access to relatively large quantities of high-quality grapes, and as a result the Lageder name was synonymous with above-average wines long before the South Tyrolean quality wine revolution. This meant that a high-quality market had already been created at that time, which was only waiting for something even better to come along. And that did come. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon "Löwengang" hit the market like a bomb at the end of the 1980s. In the beginning, these wines were still more in the international style. Over time, however, they became more and more refined and developed into truly authentic wines. They were skilfully oriented towards Burgundy and Bordeaux, without copying these appellations. The origin "South Tyrol" was always very important for Alois Lageder - and for Luis von Dellemann even more so - and they did not view the successes of the up-and-coming South Tyrolean cooperatives such as Schreckbichl, Terlan and St. Michael-Eppan with envy, but welcomed this positive development for the growing region. Unlike in Tuscany, where wines with fancy names were in at the time and celebrated great successes precisely because of their individuality, in South Tyrol the South Tyrolean origin was always extremely important for all the top wineries. Their own name, too, of course, but never at the expense of the growing region. I do not share Luis von Dellemann's opinion that "the Lageder name alone" (that is, without the simultaneous quality offensives of the South Tyrolean avant-garde cooperatives Schreckbichl, St. Michael-Eppan and Terlan) "might have fallen by the wayside". The Lageder name would have already established itself on the market. But the market and the own brand were and are important for Lageder, but not everything. Origin and biodynamic cultivation count at least as much.

Luis von Dellemann (Source: Brunner)

Luis von Dellemann had a hard time with the latter at first. "After all, at that time - in the 1980s - everything was dependent on chemicals. To make such a radical change was a huge gamble." Good - the winery does not only sell wine from its own grapes, and that provides income that is independent of the yield from its own vineyards. But: the own vineyards now cover a good 60 hectares and deliver the most valuable wines - also for the economic balance sheet. "I sometimes trembled there," says Luis von Dellemann. But precisely because he is a quality wine fanatic, biodynamic cultivation now excites him. In the meantime, very regularly and reliably, so that biodynamics is now firmly established in the Alois Lageder winery. The tasting of mature Lageder wines in April 2012 showed that it was precisely the wines produced with biodynamic cultivation that were the most interesting. And "in this respect everything is still in its infancy". So in the future, we can certainly expect some qualitative surprises from the Alois Lageder winery - both in terms of taste and ecology. In the future, Luis von Dellemann will be able to look at this development calmly "from the outside": After 45 harvests, he is entering a well-deserved retirement and is gradually handing over the baton to the 36-year-old graduate oenologist Georg Meißner from Germany, a specialist in biodynamic farming and most recently a scientist and lecturer at Geisenheim University.

Alois Lageder
Grafengasse 9
39040 Magreid
Italy
Phone: +39 0471 809500 / 80955
E-Mail: info@aloislageder.eu
Internet: www.aloislageder.eu

The wines of the Lageder Winery in the wine guide

Organic Winery Steig - Othmar Sanin

Othmar Sanin has left "normal" life. Until 2008 he ran his winery alongside other activities, with which he earned the majority of his income. The "more and more and faster" associated with these activities simply no longer seemed to him to be "what constitutes a meaningful life". He did not drop out completely and continues to produce wine on his own vineyard. But he now does this exclusively, firstly, "even though such a small winery can never yield much", and secondly, he does everything much differently than most of his colleagues.

Othmar Sanin (Source: Sanin)

He is one of the few in South Tyrol to rely exclusively on fungus-resistant grape varieties, because in his opinion this is the only way "organic is really organic, because only with these varieties can you completely do without any sprays". He also does not use any machines for the work in the vineyard: "This way I save costs and earn more without being forced to produce more and more. Moreover, no exhaust fumes are blown into the vineyard." All this allows him to grow wild herbs in his vineyard, which is one of the things he feeds on. In the future, he will offer guided tours of wild herbs.

Othmar Sanin has been working organically since 1991, and in 2000 he switched to fungus-resistant varieties. These produce a very spicy, flavourful wine, which Othmar Sanin makes as a rosé and a red wine. The rosé "Krejos" is characterised by its intense aroma of ripe strawberries and raspberries and is very intense but not heavy, despite its not low alcohol level. An excellent aperitif and good companion to spicy dishes. The dark red wine "Miros" has an intense spiciness of ripe red forest berries. Soft tannins with harmoniously integrated acidity combined with a strong body provide a long-lasting finish. Both wines should at least make sceptics of fungus-resistant varieties more open to this type of wine.

The vineyard is located directly behind the farm building. In 2006, Othmar Sanin bought another piece of land in a steep location in Kurtatsch, where he grows the Prior variety, which will be integrated into his two wines in the future.

The wines can be found in South Tyrolean organic shops, restaurants that value organic products, and at local markets.

The ex-farm price for both wines is 9 euros.

Organic Winery Steig - Othmar Sanin
Bahnhofstraße 6
39040 Margreid
Italy
Phone: +39 335 1420497
e-mail: sanin.othmar@rolmail.net

Armin Kobler

Especially many smaller, self-marketing businesses often find it difficult to cope with the new forms and possibilities that the internet offers for communication and marketing. In addition to the time-consuming work in the vineyard (plus orchards) and cellar, they usually do not have the time and leisure to deal with the opportunities that the new, virtual forms of communication open up. Unless the more internet-savvy youngsters take care of the usually existing but often neglected homepage, there is (still) little going on in this respect among most self-marketers. Armin Kobler is different. He uses practically all the possibilities that the internet offers. Especially with his wine blog(www.kobler-margreid.com/blog) he provides a prime example of exemplary internet use. Here one learns everything worth knowing from first-hand experience, i.e. from winemakers, there is a pleasantly respectful interaction between all participants, and the reader realises that some things (plant protection, spontaneous fermentation, pure-bred yeasts yes or no) are extremely complex and cannot be answered for winemakers with simple yeses and noes. The blog is available in German and Italian.

Armin Kobler (Source: Brunner)

Armin Kobler also belongs to the avant-garde when it comes to bottle closures. He is one of the few courageous winemakers in South Tyrol who dare to consistently rely on the screw cap, which is simply not accepted in Italy, the most important sales market for South Tyrolean white wines. That the technology freak Armin Kobler produces anything but technical wines is then suspected when entering the winery. Although the visiting and tasting room is decidedly futuristic and primarily functional in design, on the other hand it is also well integrated into the historic property. When it comes to wine, the simple motto "Each variety in its optimal location" and a relatively late harvest vouch for the best possible quality. The varietal character is important to Armin Kobler, which is why he vinifies each wine single-varietally. The white wines - Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer - as well as the rosé in steel tanks, the Merlot in used barriques. The wines - also the whites - need time, which is why they are always sold relatively late.

The winery is small: just two hectares are cultivated, yielding 14,000 to 15,000 bottles a year.

The wines cost between 11 and 16 euros ex farm.

Armin Kobler wine farm
wine route 36
39040 Margreid
Italy
Phone: +39 0471 809079
Fax: +39 0471 809079
E-mail: info@kobler-margreid.com
Internet: www.kobler-margreid.com

The wines of the Armin Kobler winery in the wine guide

Peter Zemmer

"I simply like having Peter Zemmer's wines in my assortment because they are very typical of the variety, which is what I expect from South Tyrolean wines; they are very clean and clear - modern in the best sense. I can rely on that every year with Peter Zemmer - and the price is right." This is how the satisfied German reseller Helmut Schwager from Amberg speaks about the wines of the family winery founded in 1928. All of Peter Zemmer's other resellers will certainly agree with this statement. With its consistent focus on customer satisfaction, the Peter Zemmer winery is in a good position even in economically more difficult times.

The basic level of the wines here is very high. No banal litre wines are produced, i.e. simple qualities that are sold in large quantities for little money. Here, relatively large quantities of very good to excellent wines are sold at a real price. The range comprises 22 different wines as well as a sparkling wine, from the entry-level line "La Lot" to the varietal wines of all South Tyrolean varieties to the cuvée wines of the top selection "Cortinie".

Peter Zemmer (Source: Zemmer)

From 2013 there is a qualitative increase in the range. Five wines - Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Lagrein - will in future only be made from grapes grown in precisely defined sites that offer the best conditions for each of these varieties. Müller-Thurgau is grown in the Gfrill district of Salurn at 800 metres above sea level, Pinot Blanc in the Punggl vineyard in Margreid, Riesling in Kurtinig; Pinot Noir in the Rollhütt vineyard in Salurn and Lagrein in Kurtinig. Peter Zemmer can produce between 10,000 and 25,000 bottles of all these wines. It is important to Peter Zemmer to be able to offer these wines in a certain quantity: "I want to offer my customers wines of above-average quality that they can buy again if they like them and that are not sold out half a year before the new wine arrives".

Sustainability is also important to Peter Zemmer. He is not an organic producer, but is open to "everything that makes viticulture as close to nature as possible - seeding in the vineyard, little defoliation of the vines, avoiding soil compaction, etc.". However, it must not be at the expense of profitability: "Even in years with extreme fungal pressure like 2008 or 2012, I have to be able to produce wine in a quantity that keeps the farm alive." In terms of energy, sustainability is practised extensively at the Peter Zemmer winery. For example, the 400-square-metre solar installation ensures that energy needs are covered entirely by renewable sources.

The wines cost from 7 to 18 euros in direct sales.

Winery Peter Zemmer
Wine route 24
39040 Kurtinig
Italy
Phone: +39 0471 817143
Fax: +39 0471 817743
E-mail: info@peterzemmer.com
Internet: www.peterzemmer.com

Castelfeder

The Castelfeder winery is located in Neumarkt. It is named after the porphyry hill above Auer with remains of prehistoric, Roman and medieval settlements. The winery can draw on grapes from currently 55 hectares between Bolzano and Salurn and can thus offer practically all wines of the wide range of South Tyrolean varieties. The main focus, however, is on the typical varieties of the lowlands. In the case of white wine, the focus is on Pinot Grigio, which finds optimal conditions in the well-drained vineyards in the Etsch Valley near Salurn and Kurtinig, and on Chardonnay. As for the reds, they are particularly proud of the Pinot Noir "Borgum Novum", whose grapes mainly come from the South Tyrolean Pinot Noir El Dorado Mazzon, as well as the Lagrein from the best sites in the municipalities of Auer and Neumarkt. Günter Giovanett is a profound connoisseur of the geological conditions of the wine country of South Tyrol, and it is important to him that only the best grapes from the most suitable sites are used for his top selections.

The Giovanett family (Source: Giovanett)

As a commercial winery, Castelfeder not only processes its own grapes, but also those from contracted suppliers. However, since these suppliers have been working with the winery for a long time and also receive advice from the winery, it makes no difference who the grapes come from as far as quality is concerned. Son Ivan Giovanett, who was the first Italian oenologist to complete his training both in Italy and in Geisenheim, is responsible for this advice as well as for the work in the cellar.

Castelfeder's wines are distinguished throughout by their skilful craftsmanship. Whereby skilful here does not (only) mean very well made, but above all very carefully selected. Especially in the case of the selection wines, you can clearly sense both the varietal character and the character of origin.

Tasting and wine sales on telephone request (+39 335 5967247).

Prices at the farm range from 6 to 22 euros.

Castelfeder
Franz-Harrpf-Strasse 15
39040 Val Gardena
ITalien
Phone:+39 335 5967247
Fax: +39 0471 820410
E-mail: info@castelfeder.it
Internet: www.castelfeder.it

The wines of the Castelfeder Winery in the wine guide

Turmhof - Martin Teutsch

Martin Teutsch is a man of sturdy build, but he never pushes himself to the fore. In conversation he is always pleasantly calm and of a fine, reserved nature. And even if the saying about the wines reflecting the character of the winemaker has become a bit hackneyed by now, it simply fits here. Martin Teutsch's showpiece wines are his powerful, intense, dark red wines Cabernet, Merlot and Lagrein, which, for all their power, always have an incredibly fine, elegant style and a pleasant, restrained basic structure. No noisy barrique bombs, although they are all aged in small wooden barrels. Martin Teutsch never studied oenology, and yet he succeeds perfectly with these wines.

The winery itself is rather unspectacular. No high-tech or breathtaking architecture. That simply doesn't suit this man, who allows himself a little extravagance in the vineyard and has planted Teroldego, native to neighbouring Trentino, on South Tyrolean soil, which he vinifies as a single-varietal wine and in his cuvée "Klein Venedig" together with Cabernet and Lagrein. These two specialities of the house are also very supple, fine wines, although the Teroldego used with the Lagrein produces a very dark, spicy wine that can quickly turn out superficial and coarse if not treated correctly.

Martin Teutsch (Source: Teutsch)

The unusual name "Little Venice" is a designation for Kurtinig. It is the only village in the Adige Valley that lies in the middle of the valley and was therefore often submerged in the past. Those times are over, the Adige has been tamed, and Kurtinig is surrounded by good vineyard sites for the strong red wines that Martin Teutsch loves so much. The only white wine produced is a Gewürztraminer, which - like the red wines - has a distinctive aroma and a full-bodied taste, but never seems obtrusive or overloaded. And since it is dry, it is also very well suited as a food companion. In addition to these wines, a Vernatsch and a cuvée of Cabernet and Merlot are offered as light wines.

The prices are sensational! They currently range from 4.50 euros for the Vernatsch to 8.50 euros for the Cabernet-Lagrein-Merlot cuvée "Premium". "Actually, I would have to go up a bit there," says Martin Teutsch. And as much as you enjoy low prices as a customer, you have to admit that he is absolutely right. He will therefore sensibly do the same, but will certainly remain true to his character and not exaggerate anything.

Turmhof -Martin Teutsch
Verdi Street 1
39040 Val Gardena
Italy
Phone: +39 0471 817566
mobile: +39 335 6915365
E-mail: info@martin-teutsch.com
Internet: www.martin-teutsch.com

Recommended restaurants in Kurtatsch, Entiklar and Kurtinig

If you like good food and drink, Kurtatsch is the place to be. The village may be very small, but there are two exceptional restaurants here.

Restaurant Schwarz Adler

The wine list of the Restaurant Schwarz Adler comprises 25 pages. That is not so unusual in South Tyrol. What is unique, however, is that all the wines on the list are also offered by the glass. And at reasonable prices. But the Schwarz Adler does not only satisfy discerning, curious wine drinkers. The food served here is also of the finest quality. Modern South Tyrolean cuisine without superfluous frippery, but creative and varied. All this at moderate prices in a stylishly renovated historic property in the middle of the village. A must for every South Tyrolean traveller interested in food and wine.

Opening hours: all day; no closing day, except on Tuesday in July and August.

Schweiggl Square 1
39040 Kurtatsch
Phone:+39 0471 096405
E-Mail: info@schwarzadler.it
Internet: www.schwarzadler.it

Zur Rose

Another gastronomic must in Kurtatsch. What Arno Baldo and Doris Mayr bring to the plate is among the best that South Tyrol has to offer. All the dishes are very imaginative, but always with a South Tyrolean touch, and the ingredients are of the finest quality. All this in a unique, stylish ambience. The restaurant is rightly one of the winners of the Ambiente Award of Gault Millau Austria. The service and wine advice are excellent, and when the crowds allow, Arno Baldo and Doris Mayr take time for a cordial and expert chat with their guests. Prices are slightly higher than at Schwarz Adler, but more than correct given what is on offer.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 12 to 2 pm and from 7 to 9.30 pm.

Endergasse 2
39040 Kurtatsch
Phone: +39 0471 880116
Fax: +39 0471 881438
E-Mail: info@baldoarno.com
Internet: www.baldarno.com

Jausenstation Tiefenbrunner

An enchanting place with hearty, classic South Tyrolean snack food in the ancient castle garden; magnificent old trees amidst the vineyards. All, including the house's top wines on open tap.

Opening hours: Late March to early November, Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm.

Fraction Entiklar
Castle path 4
39040 Kurtatsch
Phone: +39 0471 880122
Fax: +39 0471 880433
E-Mail: info@tiefenbrunner.com
Internet: www.tiefenbrunner.com/de/weingut/die-jausenstation

Teutschhaus

The Teutschhaus could also have been listed among the wine producers of Kurtinig. Walter Teutsch offers four wines from the grapes of his vineyards around the house. Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Merlot and Teroldego. The wines are vinified at the Peter Zemmer winery and offered to the house's guests by the open bar as well as for sale as labelled wines. They are all very varietally typical growths, matured without wood, and they go very well with the food offered in the restaurant. The cuisine offers traditional South Tyrolean fare as well as Mediterranean dishes. Both are served in a very refined way, without sacrificing down-to-earthness, and the prices at the Teutschhaus are not out of line either. In addition to the restaurant's own wines, the wine list offers a good selection of high-quality wines from South Tyrol and Italy. In the future, Walter Teutsch wants to concentrate more and more on high-quality local wines. Because "there are a lot of them now, and if someone wants to drink Brunello or Syrah, they can go to Montalcino or Australia".

Restaurant Teutschhaus
Martinsplatz 7
39040 Kurtinig
Phone: +39 471 817139
Fax: +39 0471 817483
E-Mail: info@teutschhaus.it
Internet: www.teutschhaus.it

Useful addresses

www.suedtirolwein.com

The official website of the South Tyrolean wine industry with all useful information about the wine region of South Tyrol. The Facebook page www.facebook.com/suedtirolwein.vinialtoadige is always up to date.

Independent Winegrowers South Tyrol

Association of currently 82 self-marketing South Tyrolean wineries. An absolute must for every South Tyrolean wine lover: the Vinea Tirolensis, where almost all member wineries present their current wines. This year the event will probably take place in October at the fairgrounds in Bolzano.

Telephone: +39 0471 238002
Fax: +39 0471 238242
E-mail: info@fws.it
Internet: www.fws.it

Red Rooster

Arranges farm accommodation in South Tyrol, including many farm wine producers. The quality criteria are very strict and are checked annually.

Telephone: +39 0471 999325
Fax: +39 0471 981171
E-mail: info@roterhahn.it
Internet: www.roterhahn.it

To Part I of the report: Tramin

Part II of the report: Montan/Mazzon, Neumarkt and Auer

Part IV of the report: Branzoll, Laives and Salurn

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