J. Hofstätter

The world needs more lighter, lithe, pale, smashable red wines. And when you're talking about pinot noir (blauburgunder) planted in the lime, clay, and eroded porphyry soils of Alto Adige, you can expect only this. This is 25+ year old pinot noir, planted on steep slopes of South Tyrol. Twenty-five percent whole bunch, this is kept in contact with skins and solids for ten days before gentle pressing into concrete vats, where it rests for six months. White pepper dusts woodland berries, light sapid notes, wild raspberry florals, subtle rose petals, on the light, graceful palate. There's a gentle berry sweetness here that charms, and a salt kiss that is alluring on the finish. This is beauty with a light chill. The 50 ha of J. Hofstätter estate vineyards are ideally situated in South Tyrol, with vineyards along the steep slopes of both sides of the broad valley. They are one of the largest family estates in the region, now run by 4th generation.