Nestled between the majestic peaks of the Dolomite Alps, the area surrounding Lake Caldaro in the northern Italian region of Alto Adige is an optimum wine producing zone. In this tranquil valley lie the vineyards of Castel Sallegg, an estate steeped in nobility with a long tradition of winemaking excellence.
Schiava, a grape variety that has grown for generations on the steep slopes of sub-Alpine Alto Adige, produces a lightly-colored red wine that is a local favorite. It finds its greatest expression on the western side of Lake Caldaro where, thanks to warm days and cool nights, grapes trained in the traditional pergola system can achieve maximum ripeness and attain the most unique reflection of their terroir. The wine undergoes twelve days of maceration and fermentation in stainless steel followed by six months aging in large Slavonian oak. Considered the zone’s best site, Bischofsleiten is a reference to the Bishop of Trento, on whose property the land formed part of roughly a thousand years ago.
In addition to its winemaking reputation, Castel Sallegg boasts a rich and illustrious history. In 1851 the castle itself and its surrounding vineyard was bought by Archduke Rainer of Austria, Viceroy of Lombardy-Veneto. It was later inherited by the Von Kuenburgs through Prince Henry of Campofranco. A keen sense of custodial responsibility and continuity are deeply rooted within this noble family: today Count Georg von Kuenburg (above left) and enologist Matthias Hauser (above right) ensure quality and tradition are maintained.
This delightful red is now available at an extraordinary price! And remember, you can taste this wine tomorrow from 5:30pm at Vino!
Castel Sallegg Schiava Bischofsleiten 2009 (Alto Adige, Italy)
was $18, now $10
For more information please call 212-725-6516 or email info@vinosite.com.
Italian rosé, or rosato, first emerged as a popular wine in Puglia where hot weather and plentiful red-wine grapes made the wine a going concern. As wine drinkers warmed to the style, dusty pink and dry with delicate berry and floral aromas, winemakers in other parts of Italy took notice and began to add rosato to their lists of labels.
