ALTO ADIGE
A warm micro-climate in the northern tip of Italy allows for dozens of different grape varietals to flourish on the 50h estate.
Count Michael Goess-Enzenberg – owner; Helmuth Zozin – winegrower.
Man-in-cor, literally hand on heart, is one of the leaders of the biodynamic farming movement in Europe. The entire estate is run like a cosmic whole – we are in Italy yet everyone speaks German – this region was once part of Austria’s Sud-Tirol. The Counts Enzenberg, among the most prominent Tyrolean families for 800 years, became sole owners in 1978, and Michael took over in 1991.
Five years later one of the most stunning underground self-sustaining cellars was complete, nestled next to the flamboyant 1608 manor house. All here is meticulous, even the wild flowers among the vines! The resulting wines have unmistakeable character, impressive definition, and stylistic purity. The whites are exquisitely elegant and technically impeccable. The wines are shipped in recycled cardboard.
Moscato Giallo…..The estate’s calling card: a dry golden muscat with only 3g/rs – intoxicating floral notes – like floating in an outdoor shampoo commercial.
La Manina….The little hand, a baby Contessa – a field blend of younger vines from Terlano.
Reserve della Contessa…..From a vineyard in Terlano, north of Bolzano, co-planted to Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc – an aromatic beauty worthy of a countess.
Pinot Bianco Eichhorn…..A three glass winner… fruity with delicate smoky aromas, and a full, complex palate, veined with salty, iodine notes.
Schiava Kalterersee Keil…..The vines overlook the windsurfers on Caldaro lake – this local grape makes a juicy bramble-berry-flavored red wine, also known as Vernatsch in German.
Reserve del Conte….. A supremely supple blend of Lagrein 40%, Merlot 30%, and Cabernet Sauvignon 30% – it has the breeding to make a Count proud.
Pinot Noir Mason…..Gloriously ripe Pinot Noir – it has a bright garnet hue, and a smooth, focused, fine finish – this stand-out is a delight to drink and to share – wow!
Lagrein Rubatsch…..A single south-facing vineyard Lagrein – its tiny yields produce a toothsome velvety red wine with real character.