Top Riservas of South Tyrol

Racy Bordeaux cuvée in Riserva quality from the best sunny slopes around Eppan. Deep dark ruby red, red and black currants on the nose with traces of mint, cocoa and tobacco. On the palate with beautiful spice, complexity and power, long and of impressive harmony on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The "Vigna" classification guarantees and designates the origin of a single-vineyard wine in South Tyrol. The Pinot Bianco from the single vineyard San Michele from the Barthenau winery has a strong personality that fully unfolds after an additional year of ageing in the bottle. It has a rich bouquet of green apple and banana, a full-bodied flavour with plenty of fruit, a medium, finely balanced acidity and a long mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich notes of apricot cake, lemon curd and toasted hazelnuts combine with aromatic accents of oyster shells and broom, finely interwoven with a bright, well-cut acidity. This smooth, harmonious white wine glides across the palate and unfolds on a long finish with mineral and warm spice flavours." Wine Spectator

"Remarkably pretty, the 2021 Pinot Bianco Barthenau Vigna S. Michele opens with a rich blend of almond custard and sweet spice, contrasting fresh nectarines and Asian pear. Seductively round and supple, this flows across the palate with silken textures, nearly oily in feel, balanced by tantalizing acidity. Saline minerals linger along with a balancing note of peach preserves and tart citrus as the 2021 finishes long yet on a note of freshness." Vinous

The grapes for Cortazo grow in the hot "Brenntal" vineyard in Kurtatsch. Rich ruby red. Harmonious bouquet of violets and wild berries. Powerful and complex on the palate with a beautiful fruit core and subtle extract sweetness, velvety tannins and a long finish. Beautiful ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Strong ruby-violet colour, the bouquet exudes a clear, fresh fruit, of blackcurrants and raspberries. On the palate, spicy and with supple tannins, sweet melting, rich and with a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fragrant blackcurrant and blueberry fruit underscored with mint and violet; creamy and textured with silky tannins and a refreshing finish." Decanter

Lagrein Urban, named after the Urbanhof, in whose excellent vineyards the grapes thrive. Bright, dark ruby, spicy notes, dark fruits and fine chocolate in the bouquet. Very juicy and dense, with balanced roasted aromas and fine tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright, radiant ruby colour with a drop of violet. Linticlarus Lagrein Riserva smells of ripe plum, smoke, tobacco, leather, mint, spices and liquorice. Opens up on the palate with sweet melting, lots of rich fruit, spans an elegant arc, the finish is currently characterised by the use of wood, but also beautiful juiciness, will mature well. Powerful and persistent through to the extended final, impresses with personality and class! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Linticlarus Lagrein Riserva is dark and brooding in the glass, blending dusty dried flowers with hints of blackberries and a lifting sage note. This floods the palate with soft textures and ripe wild berry fruits energized by zesty acidity. Savory herbal tones swirl toward the close. It finishes long, structured and classically dry, leaving violet inner florals to resonate. This is an intense Lagrein that is perfectly balanced for the cellar." Vinous

This characterful wine comes from grapes grown in the top Crivelli vineyard on calcareous, gravelly-sandy soils. The favourable microclimate with high temperature fluctuations between day and night and strong down winds from the Fennberg influence the character of this crus. In addition, a daily wind from the south ensures good aeration of the berries and ideal sunshine promises the grapes of this elegant grape variety excellent quality.

Crivelli matures in small wooden barrels for 12 months on the lees, giving it elegance and complexity. Golden yellow in the glass, fruity bouquet of tropical fruits with a hint of vanilla, strong, balanced and slightly salty flavour. A great Chardonnay with a pleasant fullness and impressive length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Still restrained, but promising. Floral notes, a hint of salty minerality. Very animating. Subtle, perfectly integrated spicy notes. Balanced despite its youthfulness. Gripping on the palate, beautifully dry, with great finesse and vigour." Vinum

"Toasted hazelnuts and smoked almonds on the nose, with pineapple, salted butter and apricot kernels. Creamy and toasty, with a full body and layers of buttery goodness. Drink or keep." James Suckling

"Aromas of Canary melon, yellow peach and lemon curd are interwoven with an array of toasty flavours of chopped hazelnut, vanilla and spice. Framed by a fine, firm acidity, this graceful, medium to full-bodied white wine is slightly chalky in texture, with a lingering, fragrant finish with floral, mountain herb and mineral accents." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Chardonnay Riserva Vigna Crivelli blossoms with a rich blend of crushed almonds, sage and baked apple. This rushes the palate with cooling acidity and soft textures, ushering in ripe orchard fruits and sweet spices. It finishes grippy and full of youthful tension with vanilla custard and candied citrus hints." Vinous

Matan Pinot Nero Riserva is the flagship of the family winery, the grapes come from the most valuable Pinot Noir sites in Montan. Strong ruby red. In the complex bouquet, aromas of dried cherries, lavender, orange zest, porcini mushrooms, cedar wood and cloves. Medium to full-bodied with supple, grainy tannins and fresh acidity. Concentrated, tasty and deliciously spiced, with a beguiling juiciness and plenty of potential. One of the very great Pinot Noirs of South Tyrol! SUPERIORE.DE

"Spiced cherries, dried orange peel, nutmeg and licorice. Hints of moist earth, too. Juicy and tense with a medium body. Chalky tannins with a saline undertone in the finish. Firm and linear." James Suckling

Pinot Noir, which originates from France, has been cultivated in South Tyrol since 1850. The best sites, low yields, meticulous care and perfectionism in the cellar guarantee a fine, extremely sensual Pinot Noir with considerable ageing potential. Brilliant ruby-garnet colour. Delicious aromas of small berries, violets, cloves, smoke and vanilla. With age, the aroma gains interesting notes of porcini mushrooms and truffles. In the glass, the well-structured Pinot Nero Sanct Valentin shines with finesse, balance, spicy smoothness, fine tannins and a subtly integrated woody note. Pure seduction! SUPERIORE.DE

The dark, ruby-red colour already hints at the enormous concentration of this Pinot Nero Riserva. The complex bouquet with the multifaceted aromas of a classic Burgundy is fascinating. Sour cherries and raspberries, delicate vanilla tones and fine spices. On the palate, a fleshy, sensual and ingratiating structure, lots of elegance and a taut, dynamic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Pinot Noir Riserva Mazon is dark and youthfully inward with dusty black cherries, crushed red flowers and hints of smoke. This fills the palate with silky textures giving way to depths of dark red fruits and minerals. The 2019 holds its power in reserve, yet there’s plenty beneath the surface, as juicy acids create a jovial expression. Fine tannins linger while this tapers off with a hint of citrus and tart berries. The Pinot Noir Riserva Mazon is beautiful now, but it will be even better with time." Vinous

The wine comes from impressive altitudes (approx. 1,000 metres above sea level) at the Koflhof in Aldein. Perfect south-facing exposure, ideal sunshine and the daily "Ora" wind ensure optimum ripening of the grapes. Intense, sparkling ruby red colour. Refined bouquet of wild berries and sour cherries. Warm and enveloping on the palate, with a compact structure, present berry fruit and well-integrated tannins. Long and supple final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exuding hints of Mediterranean scrub, tea rose, ground pepper, graphite and mace, this bright, fragrant red wine is firm and focused, with chalky tannins that define the fruit of crushed raspberries, redcurrants, blood orange peel and mineral notes. Sip slowly and let this noble red wine open up in the glass." Wine Spectator

"Grilled mushrooms, roasted herbs and red berries on the nose. A hint of vanilla. Spicy and fruity with a medium body, soft tannins and a delicious, creamy finish. Drink now." James Suckling

"Dusty rose and blood orange fade into violet and lavender tones as the 2021 Pinot Noir blossoms in the glass. On the palate, it displays a fine texture and pure wild berries enlivened by zesty acidity, while rosy, floral notes emerge towards the finish. It leaves a layer of soft grippy tannins and a hint of sour citrus that tickles the cheeks and finishes long, balanced and full of character." Vinous

First-class, ruby-red Pinot Noir with a garnet-red shimmer. Fine fruity bouquet of wild berries and cherries. An elegant red, well-proportioned and never overloaded, but with a clear identity and elegant character. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pinot Noir Riserva Linticlarus 2020 is a dark, seductive wine with aromas of spice, shaved cedar, black raspberry and menthol. On the palate, it is round, energetic and perfumed, with tart forest fruits supported by lively acidity. The minerality comes through on the finish, leaving a saline stain, while sour citrus and lavender notes fade. The 2020 is a real charmer and already very enjoyable today." Vinous

"The 2020 Pinot Noir Riserva Linticlarus shows medium-soft ripeness with dark berry fruit, wild cherry and violet. The delicate and silky nature of the wine is very enjoyable and there is a hint of campfire smoke or charred spice on the close. Fruit is sourced from high-elevation sites, ranging from 450 to 800 meters above sea level." Wine Advocate

The vines of this fascinating cuvée grow on deep, loose moraine soil. The eye sees dark garnet red. Intense bouquet of flowers and black berries. The body of this cuvée is well structured, blackberry is joined by currant, some tobacco and a hint of tar. Fine tannins lead into a long and juicy finish. Great ageing potential! SUPERIORE.DE

"Packed with opulent blackcurrants, black cherries and violets with velvety tannins, a compact texture and a lush vanilla, chocolate core." Decanter

It could easily be mistaken for a very high-quality St Emilion from a cooler vintage! A compact and finesse-rich Merlot-Cabernet from old vineyards and vinified according to traditional methods. Deep dark red in colour, with complex, berry aromas on the nose. On the palate, the Cuvée Anticus impresses with pleasantly ripe fruit, velvety tannins and a wonderful texture. Lush and almost endless finish! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. Ripe fruit on the nose, Amarena cherry and blackcurrant, as well as spice and forest floor. Precise fruit and balanced acidity structure on the palate, lingering finish with great spicy notes." Falstaff

"Currant, cigar tobacco and hints of blackberry aromas follow through to a medium to full body, with creamy tannins and a juicy finish. Light velvet. Some tar and black olives as well." James Suckling

Deep and impenetrable. Tor di Lupo shows opulent fruit with dried plums and prunes. It is a full-bodied and dense red wine that goes best with succulent meats such as lamb or steak. There is a hint of bitter almond on the long, generous finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, fruity bouquet with blue and black berries, including very ripe red fruit. On the palate, it has a velvety strength and texture, quite melting without appearing fat, more like an athlete dressed in velvet." Weinwisser

"There’s a decadence and deep forest character to this on the nose with dark berry, black mushroom, old wood, and black berry aromas that follow through to a medium body, with layers of fine tannins and a focused finish." James Suckling

The South Tyrolean Pinot Noir Riserva Anrar is fresh and light on the palate with wild berries and cassis, followed by dried mint and lavender flavours. This red wine fermented in steel and matured in barriques is silky and smooth, almost without rough edges. Cantina Andriano Kellerei Andrian works with a skilful hand when it comes to Pinot Noir, preserving the nuanced elegance of the grape variety's aromas. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very clear in colour and aroma with a contoured fruity body and typical Pinot aromas. Finely woven and full of finesse on the palate with marvellous cherry notes, red flowers, fine-meshed tannins, good length. A very fragrant Pinot. Bravo!" Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with a garnet-red rim. Nose of cherries and raspberries, then slightly smoky from the wood maturation. Mouth-filling on the palate, with a fine tannin structure and a long, fruity final." Falstaff

"This Pinot Noir is expressive from the start, opening with aromas of fresh red berries, sweet baking spices and forest floor. On the palate, the wine takes shape with an elegance that belies its youthfulness, while the flavours of cherry, clove, vanilla and fresh earth work together harmoniously on the lively finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The South Tyrolean Pinot Noir Riserva Anrar 2020 comes straight from the land of sweets and immediately reveals aromas of cherry lollipops and watermelon. On the second nose, the flavours become spicy, with sandalwood. The wine is fluid with an interesting evolution, and there is a hint of grilled herbs or pressed rose on the finish." Wine Advocate

For years, the red top –of the Bolzano Winery has undisputedly been the Lagrein Taber with a fine bouquet of wild berry fruit, herbal aromas and spicy notes. Taber is a dense, full-bodied wine carried by a pleasant acidity and silky tannins, finishing with notes of candied fruit. A top wine from over 80-year-old vines of the Taberhof near Gries and virtually every year an aspirant to the "Tre Bicchieri" of the Gambero Rosso. The best Lagrein Riserva in South Tyrol? Find out! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep dark ruby violet with a black core. Scents of – and elderberries on the nose, plus lots of dark chocolate, some dark bread crust. Pithy, gripping tannin characterises the palate, plus well ripened fruit, of dark plums and elderberry, savoury, sweet melt on the final, pithy." Falstaff

"Inky black and super concentrated, the 2020 Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva Taber is a wine of broad shoulders and thick texture. It is packed tight with black fruit, sweet blackberry, tilled earth and a hint of chopped rosemary. The wine sits heavy on the palate, but the tannins are soft, and that rich concentration slides by nicely without feeling sluggish. There is a hint of sweet fruit on the close. This estate does a great job with Lagrein, and this wine represents a special selection of fruit from 80–year–old vines." Wine Advocate

Noble, white cuvée made from Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, as majestic as the Terlan castle ruins of the same name. Powerful and complex, multi-faceted, exotic and mineral, this classic Terlaner brings out the advantages of the growing region with a strong character. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Terlaner Riserva Cuvée Nova Domus lifts up with an airy bouquet that blends ground ginger with dusty dried flowers, crushed green apples and spice aromas. This washes across the palate with silky textures and ripe orchard fruits. Sour citrus notes add contrast, guided by brisk acidity. The 2021 finishes full of youthful tension and lightly tannic, leaving a spicy sensation and a bitter lemon rind tinge that class the taster back to the glass." Vinous

"Aromas of warmed pears with spices, delicate white flowers and the peel of lemons, limes and kumquats. On the palate, there is an invigorating acidity carried by citrus oils, fresh herbs and a pronounced sharpness that not only revitalises the palate but also the soul." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a very straightforward white wine with tension and acidity that kicks in at the end, giving it fantastic energy and length. It is medium to full-bodied with sliced pineapple, lemon and green apple before a lively finish. There are also undertones of lemongrass and tarragon. Complex and complete. Better after 2025, but already exciting to drink now." James Suckling

Sauvignon Blanc Renaissance Riserva is only bottled in the best vintages and is wildly floral and herbaceous with nuances of green apple and ginger. The palate is round and supple with ripe orchard fruits emphasised by salty minerals, while the lively acidity retains a beautiful inner freshness. Here, the aromatic spectrum of the grape variety is expressed in the very best way - it finishes powerfully with a spicy note that lingers for a long time. Great Sauvignon cinema! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Riserva Renaissance starts with a reductive note of struck match and pencil shaving. The wine sees some oak and lees aging to offer a full-bodied mouthfeel with accents of ripe nectarine, citron and stone fruit. The reductive note lifts but does not fully disappear. Only 3,000 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

"Crushed stone, curry leaves and sage give way to musky dried peaches and apricots as the 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Riserva Renaissance blossoms in the glass. It is youthfully coiled and intense, with a dense, silky wave of ripe pit fruit and exotic spices, underscored by salty minerals and savoury spice. The palate is characterised by primary concentration, with a tart lemon zest resonating. The best is yet to come." Vinous

"A wonderful Sauvignon Riserva that benefits from the spectacular microclimate of the Isarco Valley at the foot of the Sciliar. On the nose, notes of white melon, wild rosemary, a hint of cedar and elderflower. Salty on the palate, with a fruity, citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Loam Riserva is an elegantly marked yet powerful cuvée of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Well structured, spices accompany a beautiful fruit and the determined tannin until the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

1919 is undisputedly the top product among Kettmeir's sparkling wines. Here, the entire expertise of the South Tyrolean company, which produces according to traditional bottle fermentation, unfolds. The Chardonnay base wine matures in wood, the Pinot Nero in stainless steel tanks. Both base wines are then blended and mature for at least 60 months in the bottle on the fine lees. The result is a concert for the senses: complex, multi-layered bouquet of citrus fruits, dried fruit and spices. Bread, smoke and minerals round off the exciting picture. On the palate, we are thrilled by this freshness and depth, which never give the impression that there is too much of everything here, but that everything is precisely dimensioned in its place. Tautness on the palate, a lively personality, fragrance, spice and sensuality are paired with a seriousness and room-filling presence that rightly places the 1919 among Italy's great Spumanti. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clean aromas of candied lemons and fragrant minerals follow through to the palate, where lively bubbles refresh the lemon character. Dry minerals form a pleasing base on the palate, leaving an aftertaste of Marsiglia." James Suckling

"Sparkling straw yellow with fine-grained perlage. A little reserved on the nose, then of white flowers and ripe peach, also reminiscent of grapefruit, reverberating on lemongrass. Very juicy on the palate, with fine fruit melting, fine-grained perlage and toasted hints, structured and with salty pressure, delicately bitter in the final." Falstaff

1919 is the undisputed top product among Kettmeir's sparkling wines. This is where all the expertise of the South Tyrolean company, which produces using the traditional bottle fermentation method, comes to the fore. The Chardonnay base wine matures in wood, the Pinot Nero in stainless steel tanks. Both base wines are then blended and matured for at least 60 months in the bottle on the fine lees.

The result is a concert for the senses: a complex, multi-layered bouquet of citrus fruits, dried fruit and spices. Bread, smoke and minerals round off the exciting picture. On the palate, we are delighted by the freshness and depth, which never give the impression that there is too much of everything here, but that everything is precisely in its place. Tight tension on the palate, a lively and vibrant personality, flavour, spice and sensuality are combined with a seriousness and room-filling presence that rightly places the 1919 among Italy's great Spumanti. SUPERIORE.DE

Deep Merlot Riserva with a multi-layered bouquet reminiscent of dried fruit, wild raspberries, blackberries and tobacco. Very dense fruit on the palate, powerful body and polished tannins. This wine impressively demonstrates what Merlot can achieve in South Tyrol! So much depth and power in the very long finish. Good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spicy aromas of green olives, dried dill and smoke give way to a lovely palette of black cream cherries, dried raspberries, star anise and mineral notes on the palate of this fresh, well-structured red wine with medium body, fine-grained tannins and good length." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Merlot Riserva Gant burst from the glass with vivid wild blueberries complemented by sweet spices and rubbed sage. This is soft and enveloping with masses of ripe red and blue fruits that stain the palate. Tactile mineral tones add a crunchy sensation toward the close. The 2021 cleans up beautifully through the long and lightly structured finale, leaving crunchy tannins and a wild berry resonance." Vinous