Mediævum Vernatsch (Schiava)
Markus Prackwieser really delivers on this unique grape. A very pleasant red wine that’s an ideal companion for light dishes.
Appellation: Südtirol Alto Adige DOC
Type: Red, dry
Varietal: 100% Vernatsch (Schiava)
Wine Details:
Tasting Notes:
Color: Bright ruby red.
Bouquet: Violet and hibiscus florals float over black cherries and red berries, soft spices and earthy mineral notes.
Taste: Light tannins and fresh acidity make this an easy drinking, year-round red. Cherry is the dominant fruit but this is more remarkable for the delicate savoriness. The finish is reasonably long with hints of tobacco, smoke, and alpine mint.
Alcohol: 13%.
Total Acid: 4.9 g/l.
Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/l.
Serving Temperature: 14-16° C (57-61° F)
Pairing: Perfect for light lunch or warm-day dishes. It goes well with classics of the Südtirol dumplings (vier käse knödel, vier käse knödel), Speckknödelsuppe, bacon, Schüttelbrot and cheese. The Schiava varietal creates light wines, with low tannin and low alcohol making a perfect wine for luncheons or afternoons on the patio.
Vinyard Notes:
Location: South edge of the Eisacktal (Isarco Valley) at the foot of the Sciliar massif.
Altitude: 400–480 meters (1,300-1,550 feet) a.s.l.
Soil: Calcareous moraines on solid quartz porphyry.
Slope: 50–60%
Training: Pergola and trellis
Density: 4,500 vines/ha.
Yield: 75 hl/ha.
Winemaking Notes:
Harvest: End of September.
Vinification: A short period of cold maceration, then fermentation in steel tanks for one week.
Aging: Malolactic fermentation and aging occur in stainless steel tanks (2/3s) and botte grande – large Slavonian oak casks – (1/3). The resulting wines are blended and bottled.
Reviews:
2012 Vernatsch – 88 Points – Vinous Media (Mar 2014)
“The 2012 Vernatsch (Schiava) is a tasty red with plenty of varietal character. Smoke, game, dried red cherries and anise come together nicely in the glass. Schiava is always a bit rustic, but this is a solid effort with plenty of personality. This light-bodied red is best enjoyed over the next year or two, while the flavors remain bright.” ~ A.G.
2011 Vernatsch – 90 Points – Vinous Media (May 2013)
“The 2011 Vernatsch wafts from the glass with sweet red cherries, crushed flowers, tobacco and a hitn of menthol. This deceptively medium-bodied red captures all of the best qualities of the Schiava, one of Alto Adige's indigenous grapes, with none of the angular contours that are typically seen. It is a pretty, feminine wine to enjoy over the next year or two.” ~ A.G.
“The 2012 Vernatsch (Schiava) is a tasty red with plenty of varietal character. Smoke, game, dried red cherries and anise come together nicely in the glass. Schiava is always a bit rustic, but this is a solid effort with plenty of personality. This light-bodied red is best enjoyed over the next year or two, while the flavors remain bright.” ~ A.G.
2011 Vernatsch – 90 Points – Vinous Media (May 2013)
“The 2011 Vernatsch wafts from the glass with sweet red cherries, crushed flowers, tobacco and a hitn of menthol. This deceptively medium-bodied red captures all of the best qualities of the Schiava, one of Alto Adige's indigenous grapes, with none of the angular contours that are typically seen. It is a pretty, feminine wine to enjoy over the next year or two.” ~ A.G.