“Epokale” Gewürztraminer Spätlese Alto Adige DOC 2017 dolce · 0,75l in OWC

Kellerei Tramin | Cantina Termeno | South Tyrol
Kellerei Tramin | Weinstrasse 144 | IT 39040 Termeno

01091717 · 0,75 l · 532,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping5 units available
Limitation of 1 articles per customer

Four kilometres deep inside the mountain, 450 metres below the surface, in total darkness: here, in the disused Ridanna Monteneve silver mine at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, a silent metamorphosis is taking place. For seven years, 2,150 bottles of Epokale have been resting at a constant temperature of 11 degrees and 90 per cent humidity – —a maturation process that pays homage to a bygone era, when sweet Gewürztraminer Spätlese wines were still the kings of Alpine wine culture. The name says it all: Epokale – epoch-making. The 2009 vintage made history as the first Italian white wine to be awarded 100 points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. What Willi Stürz, cellar master and technical director at Cantina Tramin for 35 years, has observed empirically over decades was recently confirmed by a scientific study conducted by the Fondazione Mach: Gewürztraminer is one of the few white wines in the world that not only ages well but also develops and refines its character over a period of twenty years. Monoterpenes – — the aromatic compounds that give rise to notes of rose, nutmeg, mango and lychee – are slowly released over the years through enzymatic processes that continually impart new facets to the wine.

The 2017 vintage comes from two ancient Gewürztraminer vineyards at the Nussbaumerhof in Tramin, on limestone-gravel and loam over a porphyry subsoil. Slightly overripe grapes, harvested in late October, four weeks’ fermentation at 18 degrees, eight months on the lees in steel tanks – followed by a move to the cellar, where silence and cool temperatures complete the process. In the glass, it glows an intense golden yellow. The nose is explosive: rose petals, lavender, ripe mango, lychee, passion fruit, honeydew melon – then cloves, saffron, ginger, nutmeg, sage. On the palate, monumental depth unfolds: powerful yet graceful, underpinned by mineral tension. 66 grams of residual sugar are balanced by lively acidity; the final stretches on endlessly. A wine that elevates apple strudel, complements Taleggio, yet also demands to be savoured on its own – a white monument from the depths of the Alps. SUPERIORE.DE

"The densely woven nose reveals delicate smoky notes, fresh rose petals, light blossom honey and a hint of resin. On the palate, it is dense and juicy, with salted lemon, herbal spice and lychee. Almost piquant, it is delicate yet complex, compact and of beguiling balance." Vinum

"An intense, rich pale gold colour with a sparkling core. A powerful and intense bouquet of rose petals, ripe yellow peach, a hint of banana, nutmeg and milk chocolate, with a finish of dried apricots and coconut flakes. Wonderfully balanced on the palate, with a radiant sweet core, a hearty smoothness and elegant creaminess, all with tremendous length." Falstaff

"An intense wine. Notes of white roses are enhanced by peaches, apricot juice and a bittersweet depth. Very exotic and sweet, with an oily texture and aromas of orange marmalade." James Suckling

"Flamboyant exotic spices, notes of pineapple, rose petals, honey and lovely tropical fruit. Elegant and luscious, very supple palate." Decanter

"The 2017 Gewürztraminer Epokale is deeply seductive, with a blend of dusty dried flowers, white peach, flint, almonds and a hint of petrol. It has a rich structure with a remarkable inner sweetness, contrasted by lively acidity, whilst a mineral-tinged nectarine blends with a lemony finish. The wine displays remarkable length and freshness, as a distinct salty crispness lingers alongside tart lime and hints of sage." Vinous

"It is always a pleasure to taste this special wine, which has been ageing in the bottle for seven years underground in a disused mine. The 2017 Gewürztraminer Spätlese Epokale opens with a luminous golden sheen and aromas of sponge cake, soft honey, white blossoms and beeswax. On the second nose, one detects spicy notes of ginger and white liquorice. It is a full-bodied, semi-sweet wine with a dense, lustrous texture. The grapes come from a one-hectare plot planted on calcareous gravel and loam atop a porphyry rock. This winery has made the excellence of Gewürztraminer its life’s work. Unfortunately, only 2,150 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate