Ansitz Waldgries
Winemaking
Sauvignon Blanc ‘MYRA’
-Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks (80%) and a 500 L Tonneau
-A small portion of whole clusters were included without crushing or destemming
Weissburgunder Riserva ‘ITOS’
-Half fermented in stainless steel tanks and half in 500 L Tonneaux
-Matured for 12 months on fine lees and another 2 years in bottle
St. Magdalener Classico
-Equal portions are macerated and fermented in stainless steel tanks and large (Austrian) Tonneaux
-20% whole cluster
St. Magdalener Classico 'ANTHEOS’
-Extended (4-6 weeks) maceration with 20% whole cluster inclusion
-Fermented and aged in large Austrian Tonneuax
Lagrein
-2-3 weeks maceration with 50% whole cluster inclusion
-Fermented and aged in large oak Tonneaux and old Barriques
Lagrein Riserva
-Extended (5 weeks) maceration, with 10% whole cluster inclusion
-Aged for 12 months in a mix of large oak Tonneaux and old Barriques
| Wine | Region/ Comune | Varieties | Soil Type | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MYRA | Alto-Adige - Bolzano, Appiano Mountain | Sauvignon Blanc | Calcerous loamy soil | 550 |
| ITOS | Alto-Adige - Bolzano, Appiano Mountain | Pinot Bianco | Morainic soils with deposits of limestone and loam | 500 |
| St. Magdalener Classico | Alto-Adige - Bolzano, Santa Maddalena | 92% Schiava, 8% Lagrein | Sandy soils comprising glacial till | 250 |
| Antheos | Alto-Adige - Bolzano, Santa Maddalena. Hohe Leiten Vineyard | Schiava Gentile, Schiava Grigia, Schiava Tschaggel, Schiava Media, Schiava 'Gschlafener', Schiava 'Edelschwarzer' and Lagrein | Sandy soils comprising glacial till | 250 |
| Lagrein | Alto-Adige - Bolzano, Santa Maddalena | Lagrein | Sandy soils comprising glacial till | 250 |
| Lagrein Riserva | Alto-Adige - Bolzano, Gries and Furggl vineyards | Lagrein | Permeable alluvial soils, loam | 250 |
The Essence of Sudtirol
It’s only a very short drive after leaving the bustling A22, to the serenity of Ansitz (‘Residences’) Waldgries, just minutes from the Eastern outskirts of Bolzano. Here amongst buildings dating back to 1242, you will find best-of or benchmark contenders for not one or two, but seriously four of Alto Adige/Sudtirol’s classic varietals; Weissburgunder/Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon (Blanc), Schiava/Vernatsch and Lagrein. In fact, make it 5; better add their consistently fabulous passito-style Rosenmuskateller (Moscato Rosa) to that list. If only we could get some. In effect, Christian Plattner’s Waldgries is one of the top 2-3 producers in the entire region. The property was purchased by the local Plattner family in the 1940s, with the essential aim of honouring nearly a millennium of continuous winemaking from the time of founder Roblinus Waldgries. If you’ve been in this part of the world and walked something like the Weinweg, the impossibly scenic Wine Path that wends its way past Waldgries, you’ll be forgiven for not being sure what era of the last few centuries you’re in. It’s a magic place that does produce magical wines
Viticulture
A note on viticultural practises. It’s no surprise that Christian Plattner has been practising organic farming for almost as long as anyone. What prevents certification for Waldgries, is that most of their varied vineyard plots adjoin others who may or may not be similarly inclined. No matter says Christian, he’s comfortable with his own practices.
