Winemaker: Martin and Marion
Where: Bolzano, Alto Adige, Italy
Size: 3 ha
Main Varieties: German and Italian varieties, Lagrein, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Viognier, Manzoni Bianco, Müller-Thurgau, Weissburgunder & Silvaner
Viticulture: Biodynamic certified with Demeter
Quick note: Family vineyards and cellar perched on the side of a mountain and beautiful pergola vineyards around the Bolzano Bassin.
When visiting Weingut Pranzegg we walk the line between Austria and Italy, high above the stunning town of Bolzano in Alto Adige, far north-east Italy. One of the hottest mainland cities in Italy, Bolzano is surrounded by the massive Dolomite mountains rising abruptly from the valley floor. Vignerons Martin and Marion are to be found making their artisanal wines on the steep slopes above this acclaimed town and have been for 3 generations. A true melting pot of history, this region recognises both German and Italian, and many speak and read English too. The curious play between Austria and Italy can be seen, not only in the dual language street signs, but the grand Tirolian houses and the Italian ways of city life.
Just as Bolzano walks the line between these cultures, so too does Pranzegg, working with traditional indigenous grape varieties like Lagrein, Vernatsch and Manzoni Bianco, but also more international varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay and Gewürtztraminer. A great emphasis of course is put on the hand labour involved. Deeply biodynamic and holistically minded, Martin and Marion focus on the vineyards, where everything has been grown, as is traditional (and ergonomical!), on pergola style terraces. The old vines push upwards and create a beautiful roof overhead, where one can walk across the terraces before looking out onto the valley view.
Cellar work as a natural evolution thus, is focused on the harvest of quality grapes, a low intervention approach during fermentation, and vinification in oak, stainless steel and concrete with longer élevage on the lees, but also in bottle. With 3 hectares of vineyards, their production isn’t on the large scale, but the resulting wines are pure, energy filled and we have found some are meant for enjoying young and some show best after a few years of thought in bottle. We adore to work with these beautiful humans who embody both soul and wine!
