Grauvernatsch DOC 2020

  When the Romans advanced from the Po Valley to Bolzano in 15 BC and conquered Rhaetia, they found a viticultural culture that was over 500 years old. The assumption that Vernatsch was already cultivated at that time is obvious: the name Vernatsch is a derivation from the Latin 'vernaculus' = 'native'. Vernatsch is the only South Tyrolean red wine that exists both as a site and area wine (Kalterersee, Bozner Leiten, St. Magdalener, Meraner Hügel) and as a varietal wine (Südtiroler Vernatsch and Grauvernatsch). Even in the oldest written records, the Grauvernatsch is described as the most distinguished Vernatsch variety. The most elegant Vernatsch variety thrives at an altitude of 280-450 meters above sea level on predominantly sandy and clayey subsoil. The Grauvernatsch prefers warm, deep soils. Only when the grapes are fully ripe does the wine develop its delicate cherry aromas and its typical silky tannin structure. - Gerardo [TS10/21]