Ah-ha moments in wine are all the time my favorites. Whether or not I’m exploring wines from a new-to-me area, pairing a glass with an uncommon dish (that works or doesn’t!), or discovering a varietal of which I’m not too acquainted, the invention sustains my love for wine. Simply the opposite evening, two bottles (despatched as samples) from Abbazia di Novacella situated in Alto Adige’s Valle Isarco in northern Italy had been opened. Let the enjoyable start!
What I discovered had been wow-worthy white wines from considered one of Europe’s oldest working monasteries in operation for 900 years. Totally loved had been 2023 Valle Isarco Sylvaner 2023 (Alto Adige) ($22) and 2023 Valle Isarco Kerner (Alto Adige) ($22), each of which must be on everybody’s desk, then within the glass – I do know they may proceed to be on mine.
Picture Credit score: Throne and Vine
Abbazia di Novacella, A Working Monastery for 900 Years
Situated in Novacella, the Abbey was based in 1142 by the Order of the Augustinian Canons who proceed to take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to superiors. Nevertheless, additionally they work to assist themselves as a part of the neighborhood as an entire. With that aim, these on the Abbey develop grapes for winemaking, farm apples and greens, and boast a small college specializing in viticultural research. With the Abbey’s worldwide popularity of excellence, Italy’s Gambero Rosso named Celestino Lucin, the Abbey’s enologist, as Winemaker of the Yr in 2009.
Abbazia di Novacella has been producing award-winning wines that aren’t solely distinctive on the palate however reasonably priced to the pockets. White wines, corresponding to Kerner, Sylvaner and Pinot Grigio, are cultivated in natural vineyards surrounding the abbey the place a cool local weather and moraine soils assist grapes thrive. Crimson grapes, Schiava, Lagrein and Pinot Noir, are planted additional south in Alto Adige the place the local weather is hotter. Presently, there are 80 hectares farmed with the Abbey itself proudly owning 21 hectares – roughly 50 small growers within the area are contracted.
Sylvaner, An Historical Selection Lengthy Grown in Central Europe
Primarily grown in Alsace and Germany, Sylvaner gives excessive acidity and is commonly blended with Riesling or Elbling as a result of it has a impartial taste and “provides a clean canvas for the expression of terroir.” At instances, it’s made right into a dessert wine. It’s now believed to have originated within the Austrian Empire as a cross between Traminer and Österreichisch-Weiß (that means “Austrian White”).
What I discovered within the glass of Abbazia di Novocella 2023 Valle Isarco Sylvaner (Alto Adige) was a welcome shock. Elegant with physique and depth, beautiful fruit notes of melon, juicy pears and ripe apples had been pervasive on the nostril. Vibrant acidity, minerality and citrus on the palate led to a lip-smacking end. Sipped with rooster enchilada soup with refined spice notes, the acidity and good fruit had been notable. The wine was cultivated on mica schist, para gneiss and quartzite, then fermented and aged in chrome steel.
Kerner, A Specialty of the Valle Isarco
Extremely fragrant, Kerner is a white grape bred in 1929 by August Herold when he crossed Trollinger (a crimson selection also referred to as Schiava Grossa or Vernatsch) and Riesling. It’s named after Justinus Kerner, a poet and doctor who wrote songs and poetry about wine.
Kerner is generally present in Germany, however it’s also cultivated in Austria, Switzerland, the island of Hokkaido in Japan, and the Outdated Mission Peninsula in Michigan. It’s also grown within the province of South Tyrol in Italy the place Abbazia di Novocella is situated.
Abbazia di Novocella 2023 Valle Isarco Kerner (Alto Adige) was a scrumptious pairing to roast rooster, grilled greens and rice pilaf one night. On the nostril, I discovered intense aromas of citrus, stone fruit, golden apple, apricots and pineapple. Juicy with full of life acidity on the broad palate, notes of smoke and ripe white fruit had been lush and led to a mineral-driven end. Like Sylvaner, grapes had been grown on soils of mica schist, para gneiss and quartzite. The wine was fermented and aged in chrome steel tanks. Simply lovely.
Bask in your individual ah-ha moments while you open bottles of those exceptional wines from Abbazia di Novocella. For extra data, click on HERE.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
