Terlan Nova Domus - Riserva 2019

Technique: Selection of the grapes; gentle whole cluster pressing and clarification of the must by natural sedimentation; slow fermentation at a controlled temperature in big oak barrels (30 hl); partial malolactic fermentation (Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay only) and aging on the lees for 12 months in big wooden barrels; blending three months before bottling.  

Altitude: 500-600m above sea level (Pinot Bianco), 300-350m a.s.l. (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc)

Vineyard Exposure: South - South-west.

Harvest: manual.

Climate: The high peaks of the main Alpine chain protect South Tyrol from the Atlantic winds and cold northerlies, while the region benefits from the Mediterranean climate from the south. That explains the pronounced differences between day and night-time temperatures, which are the key to full maturity and elegant wines. To the south, a number of mountain massifs like the Adamello also have a protective function. As a result, annual precipitation is only about one-third of the average for the southern Alpine foothills, and the number of hours of sunshine is higher. The climatic conditions are not unlike those to be found in wine-growing areas like the Swiss Canton Valais. When the sun rises behind the mountains east of Terlano on one of the year’s 300 sunny days, it is already high in the sky as the wine-growing area has a westerly to south-westerly exposure. The lower atmospheric density permits more direct solar irradiation with less diffuse sunlight. That increases the difference between the slopes on the sunny and shady sides of the valley.

Microclimate in Terlano Continental climate (Cfa Köppen-Geiger)

Annual sunshine hours: 2135

Maximum temperatures: 38.2°C

Average temperatures: 12.9°C

Minimum temperatures: -10.7°C

Annual precipitation: 558 mm

Average global radiation: 150.1 W/m²

Winds: North foehn: cool and dry down-slope wind / Ora: valley wind system from the south, bringing in air from the Po Valley.

Soil: The quartz porphyry bedrock is of volcanic origin. The light, sandy-loamy soils are the foundation for naturally limited yields. The soils have a 55-60% quartz content and a slightly acidic pH. The minerally and distinctive wines are highly prized for their outstanding longevity. Soil samples taken from three different sites have revealed the presence of a subvolcanic body around Terlano, which differs in composition from the classic volcanic rock. The skeletal sandy loamy soils have a high quartz content. The absence of calcium carbonate explains the slightly acid pH values. These factors result in a high permeability to water, a limited nutrient supply and thus balanced growth with naturally limited yields. Exceptional soil conditions influence the terroir of Terlano, where the vines have developed a specific reaction to micro-stress and produce their own terroir-specific polyphenols, which give the Terlano wines their distinctive character. The result is particularly salty wines with great tension and depth. The special mix of crystals and minerals in the Terlano soils produces white wines whose unique longevity never fails to impress the world’s wine gurus.

Harmonizes very well with caviar and a good pairing with grilled salmon steaks and fried tuna, Fiorentina T-bone steaks, 'saltimbocca alla Romana' or braised knuckle of veal; also with a parmigiana with aubergines and truffle fonduta.

Also with: Tripe with filet of veal and asparagus crisps - Norbert Niederkofler (Ristorante St. Hubertus).

Serving Temperature: 12 - 14°C.

Suggested Serving Glass: Burgundy.

Vintage: In 2019 the growing season was extremely varied. It began with a dry and warm March followed by a changeable April and a rainy, very cool May. This long period of cool weather led to very slow development in the vines and slightly delayed flowering until early June. This was followed by a hot month of very summery weather in June, with an extreme heatwave with record temperatures approaching the 40°C mark. These conditions promoted fast and luxuriant growth in the vines. In the following months of July and August, temperatures were more moderate. There were occasional thunderstorms, which provided welcome relief from the heat on the one hand but were also accompanied by heavy hail on the other, and that caused a lot of damage, especially in the Bozen-Gries area. The harvest began in the first week of September which, looking back over the last 10 years, was slightly late. Beautiful autumn weather enabled the grapes to achieve full maturity, which gives promise of a good 2019 vintage.

Colour: fresh light yellow with slightly greenish nuances

Smell: This cuvée has a multifaceted structure with a hint of herbs and spices, including aniseed, mint and sage, as well as nuances of fruit aromas, especially apricot, mandarin, honeydew melon, maracuja and passion fruit, all underpinned with salty mineral components.

Alcohol Content: 12.5% vol.

Analytical data: Alcohol content: 14,0 % vol Residual sugar: 0,8 g/l Total acidity: 6,3 g/l