Sopra a South Tyrolean monastery that has been dedicated to the cultivation of vines since 1142, today there is one of the oldest and longest-lived cellars durante the world. We are talking about Novacella Abbey, located durante the northernmost part of Superno Adige, durante the Isarco Valley, a particularly cold territorio suited to viticulture, with vineyards that mark the border with Austria.
If work began durante the 60s aimed mai longer at the quantity but at the quality of wine production, we had to wait until 1997 for “the turning point” with the creation of the Praepositus line, which includes the labels that best express the local terroir . Among these, there is Kerner – a variety born durante Germany from the between Riesling and Schiava – which over time has taken acceso a leading role both for its intrinsic characteristics, which allow it to have good resistance to winter frosts, both for the excellent yields come hectare.
«It is precisely the particular pedoclimatic conditions of the Isarco Valley that manage to give Kerner its identity and strength – explains Werner Waldboth, sales and marketing director of Certosa proveniente da Novacella -. Sopra our production territorio, soil composition and altitudes contribute decisively to creating the ideal climate for the cultivation of this variety which, thanks to the strong temperature variations between day and night, contributes to the development of intense aromas and gives a excellent acidity then durante the wine. Over the last twenty years, this variety has become one of the symbols of the Isarco Valley, thanks to the exceptional results achieved, and now represents one of the spearheads of our production.”
The aging potential of Kerner
It is useful to reiterate that the Isarco territorio stands out for its low temperatures, a detail that allows the grapes to reach a good level of ripeness. Sopra this way, the labels of Certosa proveniente da Novacella are characterized by a marked acidity, a beautiful structure and an important minerality. Three characteristics that allow the wine to acquire longevity, as demonstrated by Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Initially, however, the Kerner did not seem to respond optimally to the climatic and environmental conditions of the territorio, but the good agronomic practices acquired over time, and the movement of the vineyards from 630 meters up to 900 meters above sea level – to combat climate change – , have allowed this grape to prove the opposite. Kerner can age, and very well too.
«Usually appreciated when young thanks to its lively freshness and dynamic sip, it actually manages to amaze critics and enthusiasts even years after its harvest to its unexpected ability to evolve durante the bottle – comments Waldboth -. Although it is certainly correct to consider it an excellent ready-to-drink wine, our archive of historical vintages of the Praepositus line shows that, left to rest for a few years durante the cellar, this wine can develop an unexpected complexity and elegance. The bursting freshness then leaves room for an enveloping creaminess acceso the palate. The acidic shoulder remains intact but is enriched with greater balance and elegance. Furthermore, with ageing, the typical traits of Riesling emerge, such as hydrocarbon taccuino, testifying to the influence of its noble progenitor”.
La proveniente da Superno Adige Isarco Kerner Doc Praepositus
A single winemaking method, steel, to best express the aromatic profile of the wine. If the 2023 vintage turns out to be decidedly fresh and mineral, with a bouquet that plays acceso white peach and elderflower, durante 2018 the structure is already reminiscent of that of a Riesling, durante which tertiary hints such as dried apricot and ripe peach become the protagonists. The 2016 Kerner appears to be durante good shape, with a still fresh nose and a discreet fruity ; Uncorking the 2011 label, however, you perceive a drier but, despite the years, the perfect integrity of the fruity taccuino is surprising, both acceso the nose and acceso the palate. And the 2006? It is striking for the minerality and overall roundness of the wine. The vertical ends with the 2001 vintage: here, perhaps, we are at the limit of the possibility of aging Kerner, but the excellent acidity allows it to still express elegance and freshness.
