2021 Waldgries Sudtiroler St. Magdalener Classico 'ANTHEOS’

To reconnect back four generations and further, to the viticultural heritage of the area, Christian replanted this single-site, Hohe Leiten (High Path), a vineyard of sand and decomposed granite and quartz, with each of the 8 variants of Schiava/ Vernatsch that had been historically used in the Sudtirol, to create his tribute field-blend (with 8% Lagrein). The result is spectacular, and arguably the best expression of Schiava there is.

Large oak conducts all the extended (4-6 weeks) maceration with 20% whole bunch, getting only a few more months of maturation in older wood. This is so self-contained, it does start closed but gradually blossoms to the parade of red fruits of raspberry and cherry, violets, tobacco and spices. It is like Christian’s Burgundy, perhaps more reminiscent to someone like me with Barolo bias, of Castiglione Falletto – but with a real Grenache fleshiness. Superb, ultra-fine powdery finish.

This wine is surely the best Schiava/Vernatsch we’ve seen. It’s also fascinating and a window to the character of Christian Plattner.

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Region - Alto Adige DOC
Comune - St. Magdalener Classico
MGA/Vineyard/Cru - Hohe Leiten
Variety - Schiava/Vernatsch