What I Learned:
Lagrein, Vernatsch and Gerwuerztraminer are three grape varieties traditionally grown in this South Tirol Region.
Gerwuerztraminer is a white varietal, seen here, but also widely cultivated and highly appreciated in Alsace, France. Spicy and floral, it can produce a very distinctive wine. Vernatsch is a red varietal that is called Trollinger in Germany. It is also known as Schiava in Italy. Lagrein is a red varietal, related to Pinot Noir. It has powerful tannins that often come through in the wine. Fragrant Lagrein roses are popular, and were formerly known as Kretzer.
The South Tyrolean would seem to be quite proud of their wines and wine traditions. I saw several information boards, flyers and booklets, which proclaimed that even the Romans learned a thing or two from their wine-making traditions. Namely how to store and transport wine in casks made of wood bound by iron rings. (The Romans transported their wines in clay amphora jars, not casks.) Grapes grew here even before the Romans arrived. The wine making tradition here claims to be the oldest in the Germanic world. Its tradition only grew stronger with the Christianization of the area. Today there are 8 DOC appellations in the Suedtirol, which recognize the quality and tradition of the South Tyrolean wine.
What I Tasted:
2013 Suedtiroler Weissburgunder DOC, Koessler Kellerei St Pauls: Light yellow color, medium body, with medium high acidity; slight fruit flavor, predominantly green apple.
2013 Sauvignon, Kellerei Terlan: Apricot and grapefruit flavors, with slight taste of honey, but a sharp aftertaste.
2012 Rubeno Lagrein, DOC, Kellerei-Cantina Andrian: Garnet color with a full body, mild tannins, spice, cherry, and a hint of oak.
2012 Lagrein Rose, DOC, Kellerei-Cantina Andrian: A light bodied, pinkish-red colored rose; Tropical fruits and a fresh, clean taste to finish.
2012 Pinot Nero, St Michael-Eppan: Garnet colored, medium-bodied wine, with the Pinot Noir grape taste coming through, berries and slight oak notes round out the flavors.
2011 Pinot Grigio, Punggl, Kellerei Nals-Margreid: Medium yellow color; Toasted nuts, candied orange, and slight mint flavors; Very mild acidity.
2011 Zeder Cuvee, Tenuta Kornell-Siebeneich: A blend of Lagrein/Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon; Garnet red color; Smoke and cherry notes, hints of leather and coffee; Virtually no acidity, very smooth indeed.
2011 Merlot, Siebeneich Riserva, DOC, Kellerei-Cantina Andrian a garnet-colored, dry red wine with flavors of cherry, smoke and oak, smooth tannins, slightly spicy.