Fass Nr. 9 Schiava Vernatsch Alto Adige DOC 2024 - Girlan x 6

The Historical Value and Pedoclimatic Framework of FASS NR. 9 Vernatsch

The FASS NR. 9 Vernatsch DOC holds a place of honor in the history of Cantina Girlan and South Tyrolean viticulture, representing one of the first interpretations capable of elevating the Schiava variety and introducing it into high-level dining as early as the 1960s. The vineyards are situated in the Oltradige district, arranged on morainic hills of glacial origin at an altitude between 400 and 500 meters above sea level. The geometric combination of ventilated slopes, excellent sunlight exposure, and morainic-gravelly soils rich in volcanic porphyry constitutes the foundation for a full-bodied red wine, elegant and endowed with a longevity unusual for the varietal type.

Cellar Protocol: Historic Vines and Large Oak Cask Aging

The processing of the 2025 vintage follows strict agronomic criteria based on a restrictive quantitative limitation of yields per hectare. The grapes come from a selection of the finest estate parcels, characterized by an average vine age of approximately 30 years. The manual harvest is performed using small bins to preserve the fruit's integrity. Following destemming, the red skin-contact vinification cycle develops in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Upon completion of malolactic fermentation, the wine undergoes a 6-month aging phase in large oak casks, a step that promotes phenolic stability without altering the varietal fragrance.

Sensory Profile of FASS NR. 9 Trentino Alto Adige red wine

The interaction between the longevity of the vines and the aging in neutral large oak outlines an organoleptic framework of extraordinary harmony and tertiary development.

• Blend and Classification: 100% Vernatsch (Schiava) / Alto Adige DOC
• Analytical Data (2025 Vintage): Alcohol Content: 12.50% Vol. / Aging: 6 months in large oak casks.
• Visual Assessment: Limpid ruby red hue, enriched by brilliant highlights consistent with the alpine varietal style.
• Olfactory Framework: Broad, intense, and complex bouquet. The nose reveals consistent notes of wild berries and wild strawberry, integrated by floral hints of violet and subtle spicy nuances.
• Palate Characteristics: The tasting reveals a dry, taut profile of extraordinary responsiveness. The progression combines the delicate character typical of the grape with a concentration of velvety, subtle tannins, guiding the pour toward a long, harmonious, and impeccably clean finish.

Service Guidelines and Gastronomic Pairings

The agility of the body and the polyphenolic roundness of this selection determine outstanding versatility at the table.

• Stable Pairings: It pairs magnificently with traditional South Tyrolean first courses, such as canederli dumplings or Schlutzkrapfen ravioli. It finds an excellent match with roasted white meats and is ideal alongside traditional platters of cured meats and medium-aged cheeses.
• Serving Method: To optimize the fragrance of the fruity notes and enhance the fineness of the pour, a serving temperature of 12 - 14°C is recommended.

Evolutionary Potential and Storage

The FASS NR. 9 displays outstanding appeal from its debut, yet stands out for an evolutionary capacity in the bottle superior to the average of local historic varietals. To preserve its balance over time, horizontal bottle storage is recommended in dark environments protected from thermal fluctuations.