ST. MICHAEL-EPPAN | Weissburgunder | Pinot Bianco | 2023
pinot blanc

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St. Michael-Eppan, established in 1907, has grown into a symbol of excellence in Südtirol. The winery is committed to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards, striving for purity and the expression of varietal typicity. Winemaker Hans Terzer has over 40 years of experience and has been instrumental in shaping the quality of white wines in the region, pioneering methods such as aging in oak barrique for white varieties in order to enhance complexity and add a layer of extra sophistication.

Today we are going to review a single varietal pinot blanc wine from the picturesque Alto Adige sub-region of Südtirol in northern Italy – Weissburgunder Pinot Bianco 2023 by St. Michael-Eppan. This wine is crafted from 100% pinot blanc grapes – a variety known for its crisp acidity and ability to develop complex flavors when grown in this unique microclimate and when the grapes are handled with utmost care. The winemaking process employs careful hand harvesting and fermentation in stainless steel tanks, ensuring the preservation of the grape’s inherent freshness and varietal purity of aromas and flavours.

Pinot Blanc (also known as Pinot Bianco in Italy and Weißburgunder in Austria and Germany) is the white mutation of pinot noir grape variety, and today it is planted mostly in Austria, Germany and Northern Italy. Being a versatile grape variety, pinot blanc wines deliver a certain roundness of flavour, and due to its low natural acidity, pinot blanc wines are generally lean rather than plump, having fewer personality than chardonnay, and as a result even less body. This means that yields have to be really low, if the winemaker desires for its pinot blanc wines to withstand some barrel ageing.

Austria is perhaps the country which values Weissburgunder the highest, particularly around Neusiedlersee, where grapes can ripen to exceptional ripeness and botrytis is almost an annual occurrence. But it is probably in Italy that Pinot Bianco has reached its apogée and produces the greatest diversity of styles. It is widely used by the sparkling wine industry in Trentino (mainly as a blending partner for chardonnay) and in the sub-alpine terraces of the Alto Adige (that lies in a ‘Y’ shaped glacial valley, right at the border between Austria and Italy), where it can produce refreshingly-zesty, vibrant and lively wines, usually untroubled by oak ageing.

The geographical features of Alto-Adige significantly contribute to the wine’s unique characteristics. The vineyards in the municipality of Eppan are situated at altitudes of 480-650 meters above sea level with southeast exposure. The limestone and gravel soil composition enhance the minerality and allows for excellent drainage while providing the necessary nutrients for healthy grape development, while the cool climate allows for a very long growing season, allowing grapes to develop complex aromatic compounds.

The mountains, altitude, hilly slopes, and continental climate create a diverse microclimate, essential for cultivating a wide range of grape varieties. Compared to similar wines from other regions, Alto-Adige often exhibits a greater depth of flavor and a refreshing acidity. While the cool night-time winds from the Mendel Massif and limestone gravel soils create an ideal environment for cultivating white grape varieties.

© map source: WineFolly.com

color: pale | lemon-green color
clarity: clear | pastel-green hues

In the glass, this wine presents a pale lemon-green color with lovely pastel-green shades at the rim. This visual profile exemplifies the wine’s freshness and vibrancy.

intensity: rich & elegant
fruit character: ripe

On the nose, the olfactory experience is rich and elegant, with notable intensity. Aromas of white fruits and citrus dominate the foreground, while subtle hints of acacia blossom and hay create a complex aromatic profile that is both inviting and intriguing.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: high | tannin: low | balance: good
finish: medium+ | aftertaste: rich & ample

On the palate, the wine feel round and ample, delivering a refreshing acidity that is balanced beautifully by a touch of phenolic bitterness. The complexity is enhanced by a a touch of alcoholic warmth, adding depth and sophistication to the aftertaste, which lingers pleasantly. The overall body of the wine is medium, with a voluptuous and well-structured mouthfeel.

maturity: in its prime | drink now or within 2 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality

Overall, this is a wine that is right there, at the summit of its prime – ready to be enjoyed today, with a drinking window that extends over the next two years. Its has an exceptional varietal typicity of the pinot blanc / pinot bianco grape variety that truly shines through, highlighting the synergy between the grape and its terroir. With its intriguing depth and excellent balance, this wine is a must-try for any wine enthusiast seeking for a fine expression of the Alto-Adige’s viticultural bounty! Enjoy!

ST. MICHAEL-EPPAN | Weissburgunder | Pinot Bianco | 2023
variety: pinot blanc
country: Italy
region: Alto Adige | Südtirol
rating: 93.7

This versatile wine pairs wonderfully with mediterranean antipasti, seafood, white meat, and pasta dishes. The wine’s acidity and richness will also complement lovely mild cheeses and a delightful profesen with a filling of topfen cheese, creating a harmonious tasting experience.

The winemaker, Hans Terzer, is known for his profound expertise of working with white grape varieties and his philosophy of focusing on quality over yield. He played a pivotal role in putting Südtirol wines on world map and is celebrated as one of the region’s pioneering figures in white wine production.

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!