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Small vineyards, top-class experts and innovative products
The young winegrowers making their mark
Brixen might not be home to big-name wine producers, but you will still find many small vineyards steeped in tradition. Every one of them is unique, and yet they all work together. Through their close collaboration, they harness their common interests and make the most of the region’s unique characteristics. Many are run by young upcoming winegrowers who go with their gut instincts and draw on their experiences gained all over the world. A new generation who loves to experiment with new ideas without losing sight of tradition.
Wines with spiritual roots
The Monastery of the Augustinian Canons in Neustift has been producing wine since 1142, making it one of the oldest active wineries in the world. The monastery is still home to the Augustinian Canons today and boasts approximately 86 hectares of vineyards. White varieties account for 70 percent of the wine it produces. The Praepositus Line – named after the Latin for provost or leader of the chapter – comes highly recommended. Only the best grapes are used in these bottles. www.kloster-neustift.it
Organic wines – the natural choice
Johannes is a young winegrower who – despite having visited lots of vineyards around the world – has always remained true to his vision. Johannes runs the Burgerhof farm above Brixen. He is a firm believer in environmentally friendly, organic viticulture and protects nature by growing fungus-resistant grape varieties known as PIWI wines. www.burgerhof-messner.com
Location, location, location
Winegrower Paul grew up on his family’s farm, which once supplied wine to Neustift Monastery. Today he runs the vineyard himself and loves working among the vines. For him, the growing conditions are essential because the location and the wine’s origin can be tasted in every drop. www.griesserhof.it
Classic taste
At the Kuenhof winery to the south of Brixen, the Pliger family grows its grapes on 1,500 m2 of steep terraces amidst dry-stone walls. The growing conditions are particularly favourable for Riesling grapes. The wines are aged in an historic listed cellar, with classical music playing in the background. The owners place a lot of emphasis on creating the perfect harmony between people, crops and nature. Don’t miss the Kaiton, which is one of the best Rieslings made in Italy. www.kuenhof.com
Sweet notes
Peter from the Taschlerhof winery in Brixen is one of very few winegrowers in the Eisacktal valley to include a sweet wine in his repertoire. His late vintage Riesling is a white wine with fruity apricot and caramel notes. Tip: Sweet wine pairs perfectly with a bold-flavoured cheese board or a fruit dessert. www.taschlerhof.com
Extraordinary variety
Steeped in tradition, the Strasserhof is a family-run vineyard in Neustift above Brixen. Winegrower Hannes has been cellaring his own wine here since 2003. Today the Strasserhof produces nine varieties, leaving customers spoilt for choice. It’s well worth dining in the vineyard’s wine tavern or visiting the cellar for a tasting to help you find your favourite. www.strasserhof.info
