Story: Kettmeir | South Tyrol
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Historical roots and foundation
The history of Kettmeir begins immediately after the First World War: in 1919, Giuseppe Kettmeir founded the winery in Caldaro, in the heart of the Unterland wine-growing region. He recognized the importance of first-class grapes early on and began to expand the business. In the 1960s, Kettmeir was one of the first in the region to see the potential for sparkling wine production—first using the Charmat method, later with the more complex bottle fermentation process.

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Location, terroir & climate
The winery is idyllically situated above Lake Kaltern and benefits from remarkable climatic dynamics: warm air from the south meets cold downdrafts from the mountains, resulting in pronounced day-night temperature differences. The soils consist of limestone, moraine, and porphyritic scree—a very mineral-rich subsoil that gives the grapes structure. The higher slopes, where Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Nero thrive, are particularly important for sparkling wines, while other grape varieties such as Müller-Thurgau come from higher-altitude plots.

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Philosophy & approach to viticulture
Kettmeir sees itself as a bridge between tradition and innovation. The winery emphasizes respect for time—for the slow maturation of sparkling wines, as in the Metodo Classico—and, at the same time, the importance of oenological experimentation. It works with long-term contracts with local winegrowers who strictly adhere to quality standards. The winery cultivates a sustainable partnership with the land and its people in order to authentically preserve the character of its terroir.

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Range & Style
Kettmeir's range is diverse and expressive. The “I Classici” line includes elegant white and red wines such as Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Müller-Thurgau, Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Nero, and Lagrein. In parallel, the winery offers a selection of traditional sparkling wines produced using bottle fermentation. These Metodo Classico wines are characterized by fine perlage, depth of aroma, and a clear identity of origin—reflecting Kettmeir's high standards.

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A special highlight: Metodo Classico “1919” Riserva
An outstanding wine in the portfolio is the “1919” Riserva Extra Brut. In this spumante cuvée, the base wine—a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Nero—matures on the lees in the bottle for at least 60 months. The result is a complex, multi-layered aroma profile with notes of citrus fruits, dried fruit, bread crust, minerality, and subtle spice. The length on the palate, precision, and elegant freshness make this wine a true symbol of Kettmeir's quality philosophy.

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Significance for the region & future prospects
Kettmeir is one of the pioneers of sparkling wine production in South Tyrol and has contributed significantly to strengthening the region's reputation in this category. Its deep-rooted relationships with local winegrowers, coupled with a spirit of innovation, make the winery an important ambassador for Alto Adige. Looking to the future, Kettmeir could further intensify its experiments with various forms of aging, develop new vineyards, or further refine sustainable cultivation methods in order to link its wines even more closely to the special terroir. - Gerardo [TS12/25]