2015 Nusserhof Teroldego Vino da Tavola, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
ABOUT THIS WINE
100% Teroldego. Teroldego is a close relative of Lagrein, both being native Südtirol varieties. Nusserhof only has 10 rows of it, averaging 30 years old and yielding very low quantities. The farming is certified organic and harvest is by hand. The grapes are mainly destemmed but with up to 30% left in whole clusters. Fermentation is spontaneous with native yeasts and with a 4-week maceration in stainless steel. The wine is aged in used Burgundy barriques for 2-2.5 years, followed by at least 2 more years in bottle. A small amount of sulfur is added after fermentation and at bottling only. Teroldego is not included in any Alto Adige IGT, hence the Vino Rosso classification and the abbreviated "Ty..." name and no vintage on the label (except as a discreet lot number).
ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Nusserhof is situated in the South Tyrol mountains of the Alto Adige in extreme northern Italy, actually right in the regional capital city of Bolzano. It is owned by Heinrich and Elda Mayr, the family having worked the same land going back at least as far as 1788. Bolzano has grown explosively since WWII and has enveloped their property. The encroachment of civilization has certainly impacted but not deterred them. The winery’s name means “nut farm”, for the old walnut trees which used to line the path by the Mayrs’ house (until being cut down to make way for a bikeway). The wines feature indigenous local varieties exclusively.
The Mayrs continue to defy urban development and to produce singular, pure wines reflecting the true character of the Alto Adige’s native varieties. Wine critic Antonio Galloni summed it up well: "Nusserhof is one of the most remarkable estates I have ever visited. Located right in the center of Bolzano, it looks as if this bustling, growing city is literally going to gobble up the estate in any minute...Within the vineyards, all is calm. The fruit I tasted… is a testament to just how special this site is. And the wines? Well, they are pretty special, too…Nusserhof remains one of the stars not just of Alto Adige, but of Italy."