Gschleier Schiava Vecchie vigne Vernatsch Alte Reben Alto Adige DOC 2023 - Girlan x 6

The Century-Old Vines and Exceptional Terroir of GSCHLEIER Alte Reben Vernatsch

The GSCHLEIER Alte Reben Vernatsch DOC represents a liquid monument of South Tyrolean viticulture and the finest, most profound expression of the Schiava grape. This selection originates within the "Gschleier" cru, one of the most renowned hillside zones of Oltradige, situated at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level. The extraordinary uniqueness of this label lies in the longevity of the historic vines, which range between 80 and 110 years of age. The deep roots of these centenarian plants delve into soils of calcareous, clayey, and gravelly composition resting on a solid volcanic porphyry bedrock. The optimal exposure of the slope guarantees impeccable sunlight, the agronomic prerequisite for a full-bodied, concentrated red wine endowed with an extraordinary aging capacity.

Cellar Protocol: Gravity-Fed Vinification and Large Oak Cask Aging

The processing of the 2023 vintage applies rigorous technological criteria oriented toward maximum protection of the extractive heritage of these old vineyards. The harvest is carried out entirely by hand in small bins to preserve cluster integrity. In the cellar, following destemming, the must is transferred exclusively by gravity into stainless steel tanks for the primary fermentation cycle, which extends for a period of 15-20 days. Upon completion of malolactic fermentation, the mass undergoes an aging path of 12 months in large oak casks, followed by a 6-month stabilization rest in glass prior to its definitive market release.

Sensory Profile of GSCHLEIER Trentino Alto Adige red wine

The dialogue between the exceptional native concentration of centenarian vines and the maturation in neutral large oak outlines an organoleptic framework of extraordinary breadth and tertiary complexity.

• Blend and Classification: 100% Vernatsch (Schiava) / Alto Adige DOC / From century-old vines (Alte Reben).
• Analytical Data (2023 Vintage): Alcohol Content: 13.50% Vol. / Aging: 12 months in large oak casks and 6 months in the bottle.
• Visual Assessment: Limpid and brilliant ruby red color, characterized by lively shades and a dense chromatic weave above the average for the varietal type.
• Olfactory Framework: Broad, intense, and deep bouquet. Consistent scents of ripe small red fruits, cherry, and sour cherry stand out on the nose, integrated by elegant floral notes of violet and fascinating background nuances of spice, minerals, and toast.
• Palate Characteristics: The tasting reveals a unique profile of its kind, elegant and full-bodied. The mid-palate development displays an enveloping mouthfeel supported by fruity, silky tannins, enriched by a wonderful and profound savory finish that cleanses the palate.

Service Guidelines and Gastronomic Pairings

The thickness of the texture, the phenolic balance, and the agility of this historic Vernatsch make it an ideal companion for prominent land-based traditional cuisine.

• Stable Pairings: It pairs magnificently alongside rich and saporous traditional dishes, first courses with meat ragù, structured risottos, main courses based on roasted white meats, premium poultry, canederli dumplings, and platters of cured meats and medium-aged cheeses.
• Serving Method: To promote the development of the aromatic bouquet and ensure tannin integration, a serving temperature of 16 - 18°C is recommended.

Evolutionary Potential and Storage

The Gschleier Alte Reben displays an exceptional aging potential that is unusual for the variety, continuing to develop and refine positively in the bottle for over 10 years. Horizontal bottle storage is recommended in a completely dark environment at a constant temperature.