Rottensteiner Schiava, Alto Adige, Italy 2024
Hans Rottensteiner is a third-generation, family-run winery founded in 1956 in Bolzano, Alto Adige. The Rottensteiner family, one of the oldest winegrowing families in South Tyrol with documented viticultural ties dating back to 1530, takes its name from the region's distinctive red porphyry rock formations. Led by Hannes and Judith Rottensteiner alongside father Toni, the estate specializes in indigenous Alto Adige varieties with particular emphasis on Schiava, Santa Maddalena, and Lagrein. The family works closely with 50 regional grape growers across five historic estates in the Bolzano hills, maintaining relationships that span generations and ensuring exceptional quality across their portfolio.
- WINEMAKER: Hannes Rottensteiner (third generation), with Toni Rottensteiner
- FARMING:
- VARIETY: Schiava 100%
- TERROIR: The Schiava grapes for this wine are sourced from the Nussbaumer estate in Missiano near Bolzano. The vineyard sits at 270-350 meters elevation on sandy, sedimentary alluvial soils. The vines are trained using the traditional pergola system, which reduces vine vigor and provides natural shade for the grapes. This method has been employed in Alto Adige since the 16th century and is particularly well-suited to Schiava, allowing the variety to develop its characteristic delicate aromatics and light structure. The vineyards benefit from Alto Adige's unique Alpine-Mediterranean climate, with warm summer days and cool mountain nights creating ideal conditions for crisp, aromatic red wines.
- VINIFICATION: After hand harvesting, the grapes undergo fermentation at a controlled temperature of 25°C in stainless steel tanks using native yeasts.
- AGING: The wine matures entirely in stainless steel tanks, preserving the fresh, fruit-forward character of the Schiava grape. With only 2,000 bottles produced annually, this is a limited-production wine meant for early consumption.
- TASTING NOTES: Light ruby red in color with brilliant clarity. The aromatic profile showcases vibrant red fruit aromas including strawberry, red raspberry, and cherry, complemented by floral notes of violet and rose. A distinctive almond extract character emerges, alongside hints of white pepper and subtle smokiness. On the palate, the wine is light-bodied and silky with moderate acidity and gentle tannins that provide structure without weight. The fruit-forward core gives way to a clean finish marked by a pleasant bitter almond note. This is an elegant, versatile wine that emphasizes drinkability and typicity, best enjoyed slightly chilled at 15°C to highlight its refreshing qualities.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: This wine's light body and fresh acidity make it exceptionally versatile. Ideal with traditional South Tyrolean speck and charcuterie, pizza, light pasta dishes, poultry, white fish, and grilled vegetables. The wine's delicate structure also works beautifully as a chilled aperitif in warmer months or alongside soft cheeses. Its easy-drinking nature makes it perfect for casual gatherings and everyday meals.
Rottensteiner Schiava, Alto Adige, Italy 2024
Hans Rottensteiner is a third-generation, family-run winery founded in 1956 in Bolzano, Alto Adige. The Rottensteiner family, one of the oldest winegrowing families in South Tyrol with documented viticultural ties dating back to 1530, takes its name from the region's distinctive red porphyry rock formations. Led by Hannes and Judith Rottensteiner alongside father Toni, the estate specializes in indigenous Alto Adige varieties with particular emphasis on Schiava, Santa Maddalena, and Lagrein. The family works closely with 50 regional grape growers across five historic estates in the Bolzano hills, maintaining relationships that span generations and ensuring exceptional quality across their portfolio.
- WINEMAKER: Hannes Rottensteiner (third generation), with Toni Rottensteiner
- FARMING:
- VARIETY: Schiava 100%
- TERROIR: The Schiava grapes for this wine are sourced from the Nussbaumer estate in Missiano near Bolzano. The vineyard sits at 270-350 meters elevation on sandy, sedimentary alluvial soils. The vines are trained using the traditional pergola system, which reduces vine vigor and provides natural shade for the grapes. This method has been employed in Alto Adige since the 16th century and is particularly well-suited to Schiava, allowing the variety to develop its characteristic delicate aromatics and light structure. The vineyards benefit from Alto Adige's unique Alpine-Mediterranean climate, with warm summer days and cool mountain nights creating ideal conditions for crisp, aromatic red wines.
- VINIFICATION: After hand harvesting, the grapes undergo fermentation at a controlled temperature of 25°C in stainless steel tanks using native yeasts.
- AGING: The wine matures entirely in stainless steel tanks, preserving the fresh, fruit-forward character of the Schiava grape. With only 2,000 bottles produced annually, this is a limited-production wine meant for early consumption.
- TASTING NOTES: Light ruby red in color with brilliant clarity. The aromatic profile showcases vibrant red fruit aromas including strawberry, red raspberry, and cherry, complemented by floral notes of violet and rose. A distinctive almond extract character emerges, alongside hints of white pepper and subtle smokiness. On the palate, the wine is light-bodied and silky with moderate acidity and gentle tannins that provide structure without weight. The fruit-forward core gives way to a clean finish marked by a pleasant bitter almond note. This is an elegant, versatile wine that emphasizes drinkability and typicity, best enjoyed slightly chilled at 15°C to highlight its refreshing qualities.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: This wine's light body and fresh acidity make it exceptionally versatile. Ideal with traditional South Tyrolean speck and charcuterie, pizza, light pasta dishes, poultry, white fish, and grilled vegetables. The wine's delicate structure also works beautifully as a chilled aperitif in warmer months or alongside soft cheeses. Its easy-drinking nature makes it perfect for casual gatherings and everyday meals.