Story: Castel Sallegg | South Tyrol
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Caldaro - the heart of South Tyrolean wine
For many enthusiasts and connoisseurs, Caldaro is the epitome of South Tyrolean wine. This reputation is well deserved: not only does the famous Lake Caldaro shape the landscape, but above all the region's favorable conditions for winegrowing. The sun-kissed, Mediterranean-style hilly landscape offers beautiful vineyards, steeply sloping and with impressive views of the water. Mineral-rich soils of sand, loam, and marl give the wines a distinctly noticeable character - a combination that allows for both structure and freshness.

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Focus on the classic Kalterer wine region
For commercial reasons, the wine-growing region around Lake Kaltern is quite large, but the core zone with the designation “Auslese Klassisch” (Classic Selection) is of particular importance. In this traditional core zone, the vineyards are all within sight of the lake - including the prestigious Bischofsleiten site at Sallegg Castle in St. Josef. Lake Kaltern is mainly vinified from the indigenous Vernatsch grape variety, which is revered in South Tyrol as the central red grape. The resulting red wines are characterized by a light raspberry red color, delicate raspberry fruit, and a fine herbal spice; their finish brings a subtle almond tone, mild acidity, and soft tannins.

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From tradition to modern excellence
The Castel Sallegg winery is owned by the Counts of Kuenburg, a line that dates back to the succession of the Prince of Campofranco. Within the venerable walls of the castle, one can sense the connection between history and modernity: cellars, vineyards, and an impressive setting in which the South Tyrolean wine tradition remains alive. Under the direction of young oenologist Matthias Hauser, a breath of fresh air has developed. His focus is on quality development: expressive red wines and fresh, fruity white wines are produced in a modern style, supported by precise temperature control.

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Terroir, care, and maturity - the foundation
Around 30 hectares of prime vineyards around Lake Kaltern form the basis for the Sallegg Winery. Some of the vines have been growing for up to 50 years on soils of gravel, reddish Grödner sandstone, or permeable, warm subsoil. The terroir, which benefits from its own unique microclimate, provides ideal conditions for healthy growth. The vineyards are cultivated sustainably: environmentally friendly cultivation, meticulous care, and consistent harvesting create the conditions for wines of the highest quality.

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Traditional aging potential in a modern setting
The wine is made exclusively from grapes grown on the estate, and the result is aged in oak barrels—not just anywhere, but in the historic castle cellar below Sallegg, nine stories deep and surrounded by ancient vaults. This extraordinary environment ensures consistent conditions in which the wines age slowly and carefully throughout the year. The result is a combination of tradition and modernity that gives Castel Sallegg wines their distinctive depth and elegance. - Gerardo [TS12/25]

"Sallegg Castle is a magnificent estate in the midst of the vineyards of Caldaro, which was once acquired by Archduke Rainer of Austria and came into the possession of the Counts Kuenburg through inheritance. Today, Georg Count Kuenburg manages the stately estate. Since the 1990s, much has been invested in viticulture. The cellar was re-equipped and the vineyards were accurately planted in Guyot training. The wines of Sallegg grow in the best locations around Lake Kaltern and on the gently rising hills around the village of Kaltern. The special interplay of landscape and soil composition, of Mediterranean and Alpine climate, gives the wines unmistakable character. Georg Graf Kuenburg is careful to ensure that his wines are sold ready to drink. He therefore always ages his red wines a little longer. 'Only in this way,' he says, 'do the wines offer maximum enjoyment as noble companions at table.' A few years ago, the labels of Sallegg's wines were redesigned. They now appear more contemporary and give the wines a nobler appearance. Nevertheless, tradition still plays an important role in the new labels. An old label from the 1960s served as the basis for the redesign." - Falstaff

"With each passing year, Castel Sallegg, a property of the Counts of Kuenburg in Kaltern, climbs another rung on the quality ladder. In addition, the new, young cellar master Matthias Hauser knows his business and is driving the Sallegg project forward with clear ideas." - Gambero Rosso