Pranzegg vino rosso Leggero 2023 - 11.5%

90% Vernatsch/Schiava, 10% Lagrein

The grapes come from three steep vineyards around the Bolzano basin, mainly pergolas, a small part on Guyot. 42 year old vines.

Sandy loam soil, relatively shallow, with volcanic origin (porphyry) and quartzite schist.

Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, short maceration, 50% of must fermented with skins from Caroline.

Farmed Biodynamically, by hand, without tractor.

In oak barrels and stainless steel until March 2023, bottled without fining or filtration.

Light and bright red. Juicy candied red fruits with punchy acidic backbone. Casual yet poised. Excellent wine for chatting and some snacks.

Over the last few years we had increasingly heard of the incredible wines of Alto Adige and in particular one passionate natural producer called Pranzegg, working on small steep vineyards around Bolzano. And as fate would have it they had heard of us through some common industry friends and we were put in-touch with one-another. I've been convinced that fate brought us together and that we must work with these guys to share their wines and craft as they represent what we are all about. Passionate dedicated work, sustainability at the forefront, work done with the love and care only a family business can deliver and all done with zero to no pomp or pretence. These are our kinda people.

On a recent trip to the area we made a detour to visit Martin and Marion (unfortunately Marion was unavailable that day) just outside of Bolzano. Driving through Alto-Adige/South Tyrol is really awe inspiring. The mountains, valleys and even man-made infrastructure here are truly awsome. Nestled about the valleys there are plenty of vineyards too, of course. One of the wineries amoung the vineyards is the family home and estate of the Gojer family: Pranzegg (owned by Martins family for three generations). Native German speakers living in the far north Italy, in what was until recently in history, part of Austria. 

Martin took over the 3.5ha estate in 2008 (which they have grown to ~4ha) and immediately began converting it to biodynamics. Around the house/cellar it certainly has the feel of a cosy biodynamic, healthy and alive farm. With chickens, fruit trees, flowers and the family cat among the vines on pergola right outside their doors - with a beautiful view of the valley, Bolzano and Adige river below. It was here that we got to know Martin over a light meal on a hot day and we were all glad of the detour. From that moment I've been excited and passionate about sharing these wines that so beautifully capture that environment. They are not loud wines, just as Martin nor Pranzegg is loud. They are gentle, reserved and reward the patient and a moment of pause and calm in a busy world passing through the valley. The wines also carry a presence of quiet confidence - with an approach that allows plenty of patience in all of the releases (2-3 years for most wines) and allowing the wine to express themelves individually. Whether that is as part of a varietal wine or a cuvee of native varities including Lagrein, Vernatsch (better known as Schiava outside the region), Muller Thurgau, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco (Pinot blanc/weissburgunder), Manzoni Bianco, Chardonnay and Sylvaner.

Everything is done by hand. Virtually no tractors here at all as the vineyards are nearly all too steep. Everything is unfined and unfiltered and thoughtfully stored in large oak and/or concrete with plenty of time in bottle before release too. They are also relatively rare single-estate expressions in an area where up to 95% of grapes are sold to cooperatives. Plenty of good reasons to give them a try - our particular recommendation: take one for now one and one for the cellar (remember patience is rewarded at Pranzegg).