Cantina Bolzano (Kellerei Bozen) is a certified sustainable cooperative winery comprised of 224 winegrowers that cultivate predominantly hillside-based meticulously cultivated vineyards at between 200 and 1000 meters above sea level (asl). Cantina Bolzano is the result of the 2001 merger between:
- Gries (founded in 1908 and comprising 30 growers)
- St. Magdalena (founded in 1930 and comprising 18 growers)
The relationship between Gries and St. Magdalena started in World War II when the two wineries arranged to consolidate operations at St. Magdalena’s processing center during extensive bombing of the region. Gries and St. Magdalena remained independent wineries until merging in 2001 and forming Cantina Bolzano in 2015.
Cantina Bolzano is based in San Maurizio, Bolzano, and encompasses 350 hectares of vineyards located in a wine region known as both Alto Adige and South Tyrol. It is one of the two regions making up the Italian winemaking territory of Trentino Alto Adige. The Italian and Austrian identity of Alto Adige can be attributed to the fact that it is situated in both the northernmost part of Italy and the southernmost in Austria. Alto Adige belonged to Austria until 1920, and German remains the dominant language. Bolzano, from which the winery’s name is derived, represents the capital of Alto Adige.
Approximately 4800 winegrowers cultivate vines on roughly 5800 hectares in Alto Adige. The region makes up less than a percent of total Italian wine production. Around 98% of wines from Alto Adige is DOC, an attestation to its consistent quality.
The region’s roughly 4800 winegrowers cultivate vines on approximately 5800 hectares of mineral soil-rich vineyards situated at between 200 meters and 1000 meters above sea level (asl), to produce roughly 65% white wines and 35% red wines from 20 different grapes. Among these, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Weissburgunder, and Sauvignon Blanc are the most frequently planted white grapes.
Cantina Bolzano’s portfolio of elegant and crisp Southern Alpine style Italian white wines reflects the essence of this unique winemaking territory. The winery is certified sustainable by both Oko-Institut Alto Adige and CasaClima Wine, and relies on solar and other of renewable energy sources to power its facilities, and gravity flow and other environmentally friendly wine processing methods. The facilities are located underground, creating a naturally cool environment in which to store wine.
The Cantina Bolzano team
- Cantina Bolzano is overseen by its president Philipp Plattner, who represents the cooperative’s 224 winegrowers, 83 of whom cultivate 118 hectares, with yields limited to between 40 and 70 hectoliters per hectare, to produce Riserva wines.
- Oenologist Stephan Filippi collaborates with the cooperative’s winegrowers to ensure the consistent production of quality wines with regional identity.
- General director Matthias Messner represents Cantina Bolzano in the local and global markets and works to maintain its worldwide reputation for quality and consistency.
Italian Wine Ambassador, Educator, and Consultant Susannah Gold and Cantina Bolzano General Director Matthias Messner hosted an informative tasting and webinar to highlight four wines from Cantina Bolzano that are emblematic of the unique wine identity of the Alto Adige. The dual influence of Italy and Austria were fully expressed in these wines, reinforcing Cantina Bolzano’s position as one of the finest wine producers in one of the world’s premier specialized winemaking appellations.
Puntscheit DOC
Composition: 100% Kerner (a hybrid of Schiava Grossa and Riesling), grown on gravelly and sandy soil located 600-800 meters (asl)
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks
Maturation: Stainless steel tanks
Flavor profile: Intense and aromatic, with aromas of citrus and orchard fruit, and sweet spices, and notes of peaches, apricots, mandarin oranges, and nutmeg
Pair with: Cold antipasto, asparagus and mushroom quiches, flaky white fish, and steamed or poached seafood (Also perfect as an aperitif)
Dellago
Composition: 100% Pinot Bianco grown on porphyry and calcareous soil located 500 meters (asl)
Fermentation: Part on the lees in stainless steel tanks, and malolactic in barriques
Flavor profile: Fresh and full-bodied, with attractive minerality, aromas of summer and orchard fruit, and notes of green apples, Anjou pears, and white peaches Pair with: Steamed or grilled asparagus, baked fish, pastas cooked in cream or cheese-based sauces, or garlic and olive oil, roasted or baked poultry, and sauteed vegetable and tofu dishes (Also great as an aperitif)
Mock
Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on gravelly soil located 500 meters (asl)
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks
Aging: Stainless steel tanks
Crisp and vivacious, with lively acidity and minerality, aromas of white and yellow flowers, citrus and orchard fruit, and fresh herbs, and notes of acacia, elderflower, grapefruit, apples, and peaches Pair with: Tuna nicoise and Cobb salads, baked herb-encrusted salmon, codfish cooked in lemon and capers, and grilled squash, asparagus, and root vegetables
Hochkofler
Composition: 100% Riesling grown on hillside vineyards located 500 meters (asl) (Riesling in Alto Adige is usually fermented without any residual sugar)
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks
Maturation: Stainless steel tanks
Flavor profile: Elegant and lively, with balanced acidity, aromas of white flowers and orchard fruit, and notes of honeysuckle, pears, peaches, and apricots Pair with: Simply cooked shrimp, scallops, crab, and lobster, steamed or baked flaky white fish, fried chicken, roasted pork, soft cheeses, and stir-fried tofu and vegetables
Contact:
Kellerei Bozen
Cantina Bolzano
I-39100 Bozen • Bolzano
Moritzinger Weg 36 • Via San Maurizio 36
+39 0471 27 09 09
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