Story: Merano Winery | South Tyrol
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Important grape varieties
The Merano winery cultivates a wide range of grape varieties. The white grapes include above all: Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Kerner, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Goldmuskateller. The red grape varieties are dominated by the regional Vernatsch (known as Meraner Vernatsch), Pinot Noir, Lagrein and international varieties such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each variety is specifically planted in the sites that suit it best. Chardonnay, Riesling and Gewürztraminer, for example, ripen on cooler slopes, while Vernatsch and Pinot Noir benefit from the warm, medium altitudes around Merano.

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Wine lines and portfolio
The Merano winery divides its wide range into four wine lines: Festival, Vineyard Line & Rarities, Vinschgau and Graf.

Festival - everyday and varietal wines. This is a collection of fresh, varietal white, red and rosé wines that are uncomplicated and true to the grape. A good example is the simple Merano Vernatsch “Festival”, a slightly juicy red wine for everyday enjoyment.

Vinschgau - character wines from the altitude. This line mainly comprises wines from pure Vinschgau vineyards (e.g. Vinschgau Pinot Blanc, Vinschgau Kerner, Vinschgau Riesling and Vinschgau Vernatsch). They are mineral and distinctive, characterized by the harsh climatic conditions of the Upper Venosta Valley.

Graf - Elegant top wines. Under the “Graf” label, the Merano winery brings together selected wines from top vineyards, which are produced with a strict yield reduction. These elegant, characterful wines - e.g. Chardonnay “Graf”, Sauvignon Blanc “Graf” or powerful red wine compositions - offer depth and ageability.

Vineyard line & Rarities - Rarities and premium wines. This exclusive line includes the winery's single-varietal reserve wines and single-vineyard rarities. These are particularly mature, profound wines from outstanding harvest years: Each wine is unique with a strictly reduced yield and expressive typicity. These include the Pinot Blanc Riserva “Tyrol” (single vineyard Schloss Tirol) or exclusive Passito wines such as the sweet “Sissi” from Mitterberg.

All in all, the four lines together offer a distinctive spectrum - from uncomplicated everyday wines to top-class growths. Over 35 different wines in the range reflect the Alpine-Mediterranean terroir and the diversity of varieties in South Tyrol.

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Stylistics and quality standards
The wines of the Merano winery represent the tension between Alpine freshness and Mediterranean warmth. The vineyards around Merano often produce round, fruity wines with a pronounced freshness on the palate, while the wines from Val Venosta stand out for their mineral precision and spiciness. Cellar master Kapfinger always emphasizes loyalty to origin: “Every wine should preserve and emphasize the unique character of its place of origin”. This credo is also reflected in the style:

The festival wines come across as juicy and aromatic, mostly uncomplicated and easy-drinking, ideal as everyday companions. The Graf and Weinberglinie wines are characterized by clear structure, density and ageing potential. They are often refined with careful ageing in wood and are characterized by elegance, ripe fruit and persistent minerality.

Typically for red wines, the Vernatsch varieties are multi-faceted: they range from the easily accessible Meraner Vernatsch Festival to the intense Schickenburg-Vernatsch in the Graf line. The latter is authentic, with rough edges, a true Merano Schiava in Kapfinger's words. The quality standards are also evident in the production of sparkling and distilled wines. The company's own Brut Riserva DOC 36 is the first sparkling wine produced in-house and underlines the company's innovative spirit (36 months of ageing on the lees).

The quality philosophy is paramount: transparency, strength of origin and sustainability. Many of the vineyards are cultivated as close to nature as possible, and the winegrowers work carefully and conserve resources. For example, they carry out pruning and foliage work mainly by hand and protect the soil and climate: “Almost all work is done by hand - but in any case in such a sustainable way that resources are conserved”. This environmentally conscious way of working is firmly anchored in the cooperative: Kapfinger sees the respectful treatment of nature as an important basis for good grapes.

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Awards and showcase wines
The outstanding quality of Merano wines is regularly recognized. One example is the Pinot Blanc Riserva “Tyrol”: This wine from the legendary Dorf Tirol vineyard has received several top ratings (including 3 Bicchieri in the Gambero Rosso) and well over 90 points in leading wine guides. The local Merano Vernatsch “Schickenburg” has also won numerous prizes, including the title of “Vernatsch of the Year” at the South Tyrolean Vernatsch Cup several times. Other wines from the winery regularly win awards from Falstaff, Veronelli, Vinibuoni d'Italia and Vitae. These awards honor the pursuit of quality: they confirm that every year's efforts in the vineyard and cellar bear fruit.

All in all, the multiple awards prove that the Merano winery occupies a leading position in South Tyrol. Its wide-ranging portfolio - from crisp, fresh everyday wines to great rarities - offers wine lovers a comprehensive insight into the special features of the Merano region and the Vinschgau mountain vineyards. - Gerardo [TS05/25]