Schiava Grigia | Grape variety

Grauvernatsch is one of the many Vernatsch variations in South Tyrol; despite partly identical genetic information, it is nevertheless a wine in its own right. Also known as Schiava Grigia, it is even considered a completely independent grape variety. Yet the similarities to the other Vernatsch varieties are unmistakable. The cultivation of Grauvernatsch is difficult due to the demanding nature of the grape variety; there are hardly any large vineyards. Yet Grauvernatsch is considered to be of high quality among all Vernatsch varieties and is, among other things, mainly responsible for the good reputation of these varieties.

Unfortunately, the acreage of Grauvernatsch is in sharp decline, and only a few wineries still offer a single-varietal Grauvernatsch. The most common practice nowadays, however, is to blend the harvested Grauvernatsch grapes with the other Vernatsch varieties without mentioning it. - Gerardo [TS04/23]

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