La Contessa DOC 2023

Wine description for La Contessa DOC 2023 from Manincor

Colour & appearance

Pale, bright straw yellow with green and light reflections - a classic appearance for this high alpine cuvée from South Tyrol.

Nose

Initially restrained, then increasingly complex: Pea, Artichoke and Fennel characterise the vegetal character. The herbal flavour unfolds with Lemon grass, Chervil, Thyme and Lemon balmsupplemented by Celery and Parsley. The fruit builds up slowly: Mango, Pineapple and Mirabelle provide tropical accents. Add to this a chalky minerality and remarkable clarity - a wine that perfectly reflects the warm climate in an Alpine context.

Palate

Powerful and dense in structure, carried by a fine melt and a subtle tannin structure. Not creamy, but with an essential density that gives this wine its presence. Cold smoke and subtle roasted flavours from the wood barrel ageing develop on the palate. The flavours of the nose continue consistently - a warm core in a cool robe.

Departure

Very good length with a persistent presence. The Herb seasoning dominates the aftertaste and ensures a pronounced drinking flow and the desire for the next sip.

Terroir & origin

Two thirds come from the warm, west-facing location Dear Aich in Terlan with sandy, well-drained soils over porphyry weathering. One third comes from the cooler, east-facing location Campan near Kaltern (500 metres above sea level) with stronger clay-limestone soils and glacial deposits.

Grape variety & vinification

Classic Terlaner Cuvée from 55% Pinot Blanc, 28% Chardonnay and 17% Sauvignon Blanc. Harvested at the end of September to mid-October at 55 hl/ha. Completely destemmed, six-hour mash pressing, spontaneous fermentation in wooden barrels, ageing for nine months on the fine lees in large wooden barrels.

Food pairing suggestions

Marinated whitefish with herb cream, Smoked trout with horseradish cream sauce, Beef carpaccio with purslane salad and glazed peach.

Special features

The challenging 2023 vintage with a wet spring, hot summer and golden autumn demanded intensive vineyard work. The result: a classic that has delivered consistently for years.