Untermoserhof 'St. Magdalener' Südtirol-Alto Adige DOC Classico 2019

The dynamic father-son duo of Georg and Florian Ramoser focus on a distinctive duo of grape varietals: the native red grapes schiava and lagrein. Their family home and winery, Untermoserhof, dates to 1640 and is perched above Bolzano overlooking the dramatic Alpine setting of Val d’Isarco/Eisacktal. Untermoserhof’s four hectares of tiny parcels are nestled on steep slopes, requiring intensive manual labor, which complements the Ramoser’s minimal-input, organic farming and controlled yields. Combined with attentive cellar work, the resulting wines are elegant, vibrant expressions of the Alto Adige/Südtirol region. 

St. Magdalener is a traditional regional blend of mostly schiava (also known as vernatsch and trollinger), which sets a bright, floral tone for this cuvée, with 4-5% lagrein adding sultry bass notes. Wines with the Classico designation come from specific historic sites on the northeastern edge of Bolzano. Schiava has a reputation for being overcropped, leading to weak, undistinguished wines, but producers like Georg and Florian focus firmly on older vines with careful harvesting and vinification, which results instead in vibrant, nuanced wine. The schiava and lagrein in this St. Magdalener are planted together, harvested together, and co fermented in stainless steel. After 10-14 days, the wine is racked and pressed, and undergoes malolactic fermentation in large oak casks, followed by 7 months of aging before bottling. A melange of flavors including stewed plum, cran-apple, snappy red apple skin, and Dr. Pepper mingle together alongside nuances of rain-soaked forest floor leaves, wet rock minerality, and a streak of bright acidity throughout. Certified organic.