Tiefenbrunner

The Latin Merus stands for pure or genuine. All Merus wines have this claim and are characterised by varietal character and natural elegance. The grapes come from vineyards in the lowlands and are pressed in steel and concrete barrels. The result is wines that are open, fresh and accessible at an early stage. Bright golden yellow in colour. Distinctive bouquet of ripe grapes and candied fruit, accompanied by fine notes of honey, oriental spices, sage and rose petals. A full-bodied and harmonious wine with a respectable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Merus – latin for "pure, unmixed". Tiefenbrunner's entry-level line stands for varietal character and natural elegance, bottled young and immediately accessible. This classic Bordeaux assemblage of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot comes from the vineyards of the South Tyrolean lowlands, the southernmost part of the province. The Brenntal and Frauenriegel vineyards near Kurtatsch, at an altitude of 210 to 380 metres, yield grapes from calcareous moraine soils. Vinification in stainless steel and concrete, followed by brief ageing in large wooden barrels – the result: freshness without heaviness.

The Goldmuskateller (moscato giallo) is one of South Tyrol's aromatic rarities. At Tiefenbrunner, it thrives at altitudes between 220 and 650 metres, with the best lots coming from the Penon, Hofstatt and Rain vineyards: 400 to 650 metres high, on calcareous dolomite soils that give the wine its fine mineral structure. Vinification takes place exclusively in concrete tanks – a deliberate decision to preserve the varietal flavours unadulterated.

Pinot Grigio from South Tyrol – this is in a different league to many of the pleasing mass-produced wines from the Veneto. At Tiefenbrunner, the grapes come from selected hillside vineyards south of Margreid and in Kurtatsch, at an altitude of 220 to 400 metres, facing south to south-east. Calcareous soils and the typical South Tyrolean interplay of warm days and cool Alpine nights give the wine its characterful minerality. Ageing in large wooden barrels on the fine lees gives this Pinot Gris its special texture – round and elegant at the same time, with a creamy finish without masking the fruit.

Chardonnay Turmhof has a multi-layered bouquet of clear, well-defined apple and pear flavours, flowers and grasses. Creamy on the palate, yet fresh and mountain-mineral, lively and harmonious. Flavours of baked apple, dried flowers and mountain minerality give this wine a special note. Turmhof Chardonnay finishes savoury and crisp, leaving a salty note and a hint of nectarine. SUPERIORE.DE

A classic journey into the longing world of the South Tyrolean mountains: bright lemon yellow with golden yellow accents. Pinot Blanc Anna Turmhof, with flavours of pear, peach and floral notes, is an unusually soft and beautiful wine, rich and concentrated, with class and refinement. Its fresh acidity is a lively accompaniment to the very captivating and complex finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Lagrein is the great autochthonous red wine variety of South Tyrol – and at Tiefenbrunner it finds ideal conditions. The grapes come from the slopes of Entiklar and Margreider Leiten, at an altitude of 220 to 350 metres, where limestone gravel soils from moraine deposits provide mineral depth. Some of the vines were planted back in 1967 – experience you can taste. Maceration in stainless steel is followed by malolactic fermentation, after which the wine matures for eight months in large and small wooden barrels. The result: a Lagrein that combines power with elegance.

Fine Sauvignon Blanc from grapes grown on limestone gravel soils in Kurtatsch and loamy sandy soils in Völser Aicha. Rich flavours of elderflower, gooseberry, green pepper, sage and mint. An elegant wine, pleasantly mineral, fresh and juicy with well-balanced acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

The Turmhof selection is named after the historic "Castel Turmhof" estate, which is also the company's headquarters. The grapes come from several selected hillside vineyards up to 900 metres above sea level. They remain on the lees for several months, are partly matured in wooden barrels and brought to maturity, whereby particular attention is paid to the sensory complexity of the respective grape variety as well as structure and elegance.

The grapes for this Pinot Noir come from three vineyards at an altitude of up to 980 metres. Different soils of moraine deposits, limestone gravel and sand give this ruby-red wine its unmistakable character. Blackberries, raspberries and cherries on the nose. On the palate, it impresses with power and finesse, its harmony and elegance delighting us right through to the final. SUPERIORE.DE

The Turmhof Castle Winery in Entiklar near Kurtatsch is one of the most traditional family businesses in South Tyrol. Christof and Sabine Tiefenbrunner are now the fifth generation to run the winery – with vineyards that range from 220 to over 1,000 metres above sea level and offer the ideal location for every variety. This Gewürztraminer combines grapes from two characterful sites between 220 and 350 metres: Entiklar/Margreider Leiten with limestone gravel soils from moraine deposits facing south to south-east and Brenntal/Frauenriegel, where red, sandy loam soil faces east. This combination gives the wine both aromatic depth and mineral freshness.

"We are following in the footsteps of great Alsatian Gewürztraminers and breathing new, South Tyrolean life into the venerable tradition of semi-dry wines." Christof Tiefenbrunner

Less than 1,000 bottles of this Gewürztraminer Riserva are produced each year. The grapes are harvested at the end of December - just when they are finely coated with the noble fungus Botrytis cinerea. Golden, almost amber-coloured sheen, quince, dried fruit and rose petals on the nose. Concentrated on the palate, delicate honey flavour, sweet and long. SUPERIORE.DE

Lagrein is South Tyrol's great indigenous red wine variety – and in the Linticlarus version it shows its full potential. The name honours the Roman Castrum Linticlar, the ancient fortress above the winery, whose history dates back to the Stone Age. The Linticlarus selection is only produced in outstanding vintages. The grapes come from the Breitbach, Gruben and Milla vineyards near Entiklar, at an altitude of 230 to 300 metres. The calcareous, sandy alluvial soils give the wine mineral depth and structure. Mash fermentation in stainless steel is followed by 12 months in barrique – more than a third of which is new – then 6 months in large wooden barrels and a further year of ageing in the bottle.