Nals Margreid – Nalles, Alto-Adige

Nals-Margreid (Nalles-Magrè in Italian) work with 138 growers who farm 170 hectares in 14 different areas. The vineyards are found stretching from the town of Nals, between Merano and Bolzano in the regions’ North, to Margreid in the sunny South. The fruit provided by these growers (each with an average of 1 hectare) provides winemaker Harald Schraffl with the product from 14 of the most renowned areas in the Sudtirol. Elevations vary between 650 and 3000 feet and all benefit from the triple-whammy that the zone provides for quality viticulture: 300 days of sunshine, the protection of the Alps to the North combined with the warming influence of Mediterranean and big temperature swings between day and night.

Amongst the estate’s large catalogue of wines and grapes, as is the norm in the region, perhaps the most sought after and important are the two Pinot Biancos. Each offers its own take on the Alpine version of Pinot Bianco influenced by soils and microclimate. The Sirmian is from fruit from the Terlano sub-zone – a true Grand Cru for the variety. Vines here average around 13 years of age, the steep slopes, rocky morainic soils and aging in large oak all helping to deliver dense balance and salinity. The Penon comes from vineyards owned in Magrè, at a similar altitude but warmer and on a more flatland setting. Grapes from these older vines can deliver a more rounded and fruit forward wine. The Pinot Grigio Punggl is a powerhouse Grigio from 80 year old pergola trained vines offering flavours of nectarine, orange and hay. From the same village, the Chardonnay Magrè is partially aged in large oak and is juicy, bright and long. Grown on 100-year old vines in St. Magdalena, the Galea Vernatsch has a bouquet revealing cherry, almond and violets with a robust elegance, fine freshness and harmonious finish. This original South Tyrolean is a delightful and highly quaffable wine.