Castelfeder
Schiava Vernatsch Alte Reben
To enter into the world of Castelfeder is to soar across an unspoken threshold into the lush valleys of the high Adige River. Driving from Lake Garda, from Veneto, through Trentino, you discover yourself, without warning, in what feels, sounds, and tastes like German wine country. Gunther Giovanett took over the family business in 1989 after his father retired from the daily operations of the winery he founded in 1969. Located in the center of Neumarkt, in the South Tyrol region of Italy, the Giovanett family produces a range of unique wines. Now into their third generation, Gunther and his son Ivan are gaining a better understanding of the special micro-climates that exist in the Alto-Adige and South Tyrol regions.
Tasting Notes
The work horse of the region in terms of planted acres, this varietal likens itself to Gamay (Beaujolais), or Dolcetto. Thin skinned in nature, this grape offers a transparent ruby color in the glass and pushes forward fresh red fruit in the glass. Spice and light tannins.
Cultivation
Schiava, or Vernatsch, is an indigenous grape varietal that is unique to South Tyrol, yielding fruity and light red wine despite the old 80- years-old vineyards. Schiava vineyards are located on the slopes of Breitbach, a smaller fraction of the village of Kurtatsch in South Tyrol. Hand harvested.
Vinification
Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel.
Aging
Aged for six months in stainless steel.
APPELLATION
DOC Alto Adige
VARIETAL
Schiava
ABV
12.5%
SOIL
Chalk, gravel, moraine
PHILOSOPHY
Sustainable