Abbazia di Novacella
Praepositus Valle Isarco Riesling 2023
| Denomination | DOC Alto Adige Valle Isarco Riesling |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Area | Trentino Alto Adige (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Riesling |
| Aging | Fermentation and ageing in stainless steel tanks. |
- Type: Alto Adige DOC semi-aromatic still white wine, 13% ABV
- Bouquet: Notes of hydrocarbons, flint, lemongrass and candied citrus with herbaceous accents
- Palate: Fresh and savoury, with pronounced minerality and a long-lasting citrusy finish
- Origin: Isarco Valley between Brixen and Varna, 650–700 m, on stony morainic soils
- Vinification: Two-stage harvest; fermentation in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts
Description
What type of wine it is
Abbazia di Novacella's Praepositus Valle Isarco Riesling is a still white wine from Alto Adige with a Controlled Designation of Origin, fermented and aged in stainless steel, which precisely expresses the Riesling identity. The olfactory profile reveals notes of hydrocarbons, flint and lemongrass, enhanced by delicate hints of aromatic herbs. On the palate, it stands out for its well-defined structure, with a marked saline character that evolves into a persistent citrus finish. This expression pairs harmoniously with fish dishes, sophisticated risottos and mature cheeses, offering a balanced and deep sip.
Where it comes from
The grapes come from the sunny slopes of Alto Adige, in the heart of the Isarco Valley between Bressanone and Varna. The vineyards, located at an altitude of between 650 and 700 metres, grow on land with slopes reaching 40%. The favourable south and south-west exposure optimally accompanies the plant's cycle, while the morainic soil, composed of silty-sandy gravel with a significant stony component, promotes regular ripening of the bunches. These elements give the wine crisp aromas and a distinct savoury palate.
How it is produced
Production involves a two-stage harvest, with an initial picking of the bunches in October and a late portion in December. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at approximately 20 °C, using exclusively indigenous yeasts to preserve the aromatic integrity of the Riesling. Ageing continues entirely in stainless steel, keeping the freshness and structural tension intact. This process ensures a gustatory rigour balanced by a significant dry extract, vibrant acidity and a measured residual sugar content.
History and trivia
Born on the sunny slopes of the Isarco Valley, the Praepositus Riesling 2023 embodies eight centuries of monastic heritage from Novacella Abbey. This South Tyrolean excellence, awarded the 'Three Glasses' (Tre Bicchieri) by Gambero Rosso and 'Five Bunches' (Cinque Grappoli) by Bibenda, is the result of a meticulous two-stage harvest, culminating in a precious late harvest in December. Fermentation in stainless steel at 20 °C with indigenous yeasts preserves its authentic aromatic identity, ensuring a memorable tasting experience.
Awards
-
2023
5Italian Sommelier Foundation (FIS) guide This has been one of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy for over 10 years.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
12 - 14 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
- Start up year: 1142
- Oenologist: Celestino Lucin
- Bottles produced: 900.000
- Hectares: 100
Also owned by the Abbey is a vineyard located in South Tyrol's main wine-growing area: the Marklhof estate in Cornaiano, on the 'wine road' near Bolzano. The sandy, dry soil and the airy climate of these hills make it possible to obtain excellent red wines, including a characteristic Kalterersee, a very fine Schiava and a very elegant Pinot Noir.
A third Novacella vineyard is located in Bolzano, around the ancient and tiny St. Mary's Monastery. Here, in the dry and very warm climate of the valley floor, a full-bodied dark Lagrein matures, which is particularly suitable for ageing.
In our wine cellar, the grapes from these three vineyards are raised to wines whose distinct character and quality has been rewarded by the loyalty of generations of friends and connoisseurs. Read more
| Name | Abbazia di Novacella Praepositus Valle Isarco Riesling 2023 |
|---|---|
| Type | White still semi-aromatic |
| Denomination | Alto Adige DOC |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Riesling |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Trentino Alto Adige |
| Vendor | Abbazia di Novacella |
| Story | History and trivia Born on the sunny slopes of the Isarco Valley, the Praepositus Riesling 2023 embodies eight centuries of monastic heritage from Novacella Abbey. This South Tyrolean excellence, awarded the 'Three Glasses' (Tre Bicchieri) by Gambero Rosso and 'Five Bunches' (Cinque Grappoli) by Bibenda, is the result of a meticulous two-stage harvest, culminating in a precious late harvest in December. Fermentation in stainless steel at 20 °C with indigenous yeasts preserves its authentic aromatic identity, ensuring a memorable tasting experience. |
| Origin | Between Bressanone and Varna (Bolzano), in the Isarco Valley (South Tyrol) |
| Climate | Altitude 650–700 m above sea level; south and south-west exposure |
| Soil composition | Silty sandy gravel of morainic origin |
| Cultivation system | Guyot |
| Plants per hectare | Six thousand |
| Yield per hectare | 5,000 kg/hectare |
| Harvest | in two stages: 2/3 in mid-October, 1/3 late harvest in mid-December |
| Fermentation temperature | Approximately 20 °C |
| Production technique | Fermentation and ageing in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts |
| Wine making | Fermentation and ageing in stainless steel tanks (at approximately 20 °C) with indigenous yeasts; harvest in two stages with a portion of late harvest. |
| Aging | Fermentation and ageing in stainless steel tanks. |
| Total acidity | 6.5 gr/L |
| Residual sugar | 3.0 gr/L |
| Dry extract | 23.5 gr/L |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |