Vernatsch

The eponymous hill of St. Magdalena in the north of Bolzano gives this authentic South Tyrolean classic its unmistakable character. The autochthonous Vernatsch and Lagrein grape varieties grow harmoniously side by side on the loose moraine debris soils of the historic vineyards of St. Magdalena, St. Justina and Leitach between 200-500 metres above sea level – a symbiosis that has epitomised the essence of South Tyrolean viticulture for centuries. The traditional cuvée benefits from the ideal climatic conditions of the protected slopes above Bolzano, where warm days and cool nights give the grapes their characteristic balance between fruitiness and elegance. The geological composition of the glacial debris soils ensures optimum drainage and gives the wine its typical mineral structure.

The steep slopes of St. Magdalena near Bolzano, between 300 and 350 metres above sea level, are home to this legendary South Tyrolean red wine speciality. The autochthonous Vernatsch grape thrives here in ideal climatic conditions on moraine debris soils facing south and south-east. The cuvée of 90% Vernatsch and 10% Lagrein is vinified by the renowned St. Michael-Eppan winery, which has been one of the leading co-operatives in South Tyrol since 1907. The grapes are hand-picked at the beginning of October and carefully selected. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation before being matured in steel tanks.

South Tyrol's soul in a glass. The Vernatsch – italian Schiava – is the most widely cultivated red wine variety in the region and is currently experiencing a renaissance in quality. Peter Zemmer grows this autochthonous grape variety on the calcareous clay and gravel soils of the sun-drenched slopes around Kurtatsch, traditionally cultivated on the pergola – the typical pergola shape that has characterised the South Tyrolean landscape for centuries.

Pagis" becomes "Fallwind". The Fallwind wines are ambassadors of their terroir and reflect the strengths of the growing region in a unique way. Most of them are selected sites where viticulture has been practised for centuries. Strict quality guidelines, low yields, intensive manual work in the vineyard as well as gentle and individual maturation in the cellar make them what they are: Wines full of character, precise and unique, which convince every connoisseur with their varietal characteristics.

At a time when South Tyrol was considered a red wine region until the 1970s, Vernatsch played the leading role – an indigenous grape variety that is now experiencing a masterful renaissance in the hands of Alois Lageder. This characterful red wine comes from selected vineyards in Kaltern and Kurtatsch, situated between 300 and 400 metres above sea level, and the grapes come from organically cultivated vineyards. 2024 marks a historic milestone: for the first time, all 60 winegrower partners of the winery are working organically or biodynamically – a triumph of sustainable philosophy despite the challenging, rainy growing season. Traditional pergola cultivation, which offers the shade-loving grapes optimal conditions, still characterises the vineyards on the gravelly, chalky soils today.

Above Bolzano, where old gravel paths lead through sun-drenched vineyards, lies the legendary Huck am Bach farm, which gives its name to one of the most authentic red wines in South Tyrol. Between 250 and 500 metres above sea level, the Vernatsch and Lagrein vines that have been at the heart of the St. Magdalener tradition for generations thrive here on mineral-rich gravel soils. The harvest harvest produces grapes that mature in large oak barrels into a wine of enchanting elegance.

The oldest red wine variety in South Tyrol finds ideal conditions at the Ebnerhof in a wind-protected, warm south-east location. On the terraced vineyards, which the Unterthiner family has been cultivating for generations, Vernatsch thrives on Pergel vines that are up to 18 years old – the traditional form of cultivation that is part of the South Tyrolean landscape. After gentle processing, the wine ferments in stainless steel tanks before maturing in large wooden barrels – just the right balance between freshness and structure.

South Tyrol's "regional red" par excellence thrives between 260 and 500 metres on calcareous clay-dolomite soils to authentic perfection. The autochthonous Vernatsch, mentioned in documents as early as 1370 as Vernatschia, has embodied the soul of South Tyrolean wine culture for centuries. The single-varietal Schiava is fermented at a controlled temperature in stainless steel and refined for six months in large wooden barrels, a vinification process that skilfully combines tradition and modernity and gives Bocado its characteristic structure.

"St. Magdalener, a traditional cuvée made from the two indigenous grape varieties Vernatsch and Lagrein, once not only played a very important role in South Tyrolean viticulture, but was also one of the most famous Italian red wines. But even today, this fine, fruity and characteristically stylish red wine, which is named after the growing area around the wine village of St. Magdalena, has many fans and is currently being rediscovered by many a connoisseur." Rudi Kofler (cellar master Cantina Terlano)

The spectacular steep slope of Römigberg rises high above Lake Kaltern – a location that comes particularly close to the ideal of a closed farm organisation. Here, oxen graze between the vines and the traditional pergola training protects the thin-skinned Vernatsch grapes from intense sunlight. On gravel-rich dolomite limestone between 250 and 330 metres, a Vernatsch of exceptional finesse is produced under biodynamic Demeter cultivation. The spontaneous mash fermentation in wooden barrels and stainless steel tanks, partly on whole grapes, gives this autochthonous South Tyrolean classic a special complexity. Ruby red in colour with purple reflections, it has subtle aromas of red berries and violets. Elegant and balanced on the palate, with silky tannins and lively freshness – a versatile classic for every occasion. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for the Galea Vernatsch come from old vines that grow on gravel and porphyry soils. Bright ruby colour, vinous aromas and an appetisingly fresh scent of red cherries. Juicy and fruity on the palate, with velvety tannins, harmonious with fine minerality and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

The name Mediaevum refers to the Middle Ages, when minstrels such as Oswald von Wolkenstein sang about the wine from the Gump Hof – as a symbol of lightness and freshness. Markus Prackwieser's Vernatsch from the everyday Mediaevum line epitomises precisely this philosophy: uncomplicated wines that enrich life without any pretensions to great drama. The grapes grow on calcareous moraine soils over quartz porphyry in the southern Eisack Valley. After a short cold maceration, the wine ferments for a week in stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation and six to eight months of ageing, two thirds in steel and one third in large wooden barrels.

The vines for this exceptional selection cuvée grow on the slopes of the St. Magdalener area above Bolzano at an altitude of 200-300 metres. St. Magdalener Moar is characterised by the unique interplay of location, age and cultivation of the vineyards. It captivates with its fruity and floral notes and its full and velvety flavour. The nose is characterised by the cherry, marzipan and violet notes typical of St. Magdalener. For us, it is one of the archetypes of its appellation! SUPERIORE.DE

The Vernatsch from Manincor comes from the monopoly position "der Keil" on Lake Kaltern – one of the warmest vineyards in South Tyrol. At an altitude of 250 metres, old vines are rooted in traditional pergola training on calcareous, sandy loam soils. The south-facing aspect with a direct view of the lake ensures optimum heat accumulation and perfect ripening conditions. After a wet spring in 2024 and a hot summer, the golden autumn brought physiologically ripe grapes with moderate alcohol and a cool character. The grapes were harvested by hand in mid-September at an ideal degree of ripeness and a yield of 60 hectolitres per hectare. The destemmed grapes ferment spontaneously with wild yeasts in open wooden vats. During the one-week mash fermentation at a moderate 24°C, the cap is gently punctured only once a day – minimal intervention for maximum fruit clarity. The wine then matures for five months on the fine lees in large wooden barrels, where the flavours are refined and the natural elegance of the Vernatsch comes to full fruition.