Nusserhof Elda Schiava Vino Rosso 2017

Elda & Heinrich Mayr are the latest generation of their family to work this land, where the records date back to at least 1788. The Nusserhof gets its name from the walnut trees that once lined the house on the riverside. Not so long ago they were torn out to put in a municipal bike path. This is typical of the recent history of Nusserhof. As the years have gone by, the urban environs of the city of Bolzano have continually encroached on the estate.

On the 2.5 hectares surrounding the house, the Mayrs cultivate Lagrein and Blatterle, two native grapes of the region. There is also a tiny bit of Teroldego planted. The vines are about 50% in guyot trellising and about 50% in pergola. They also own a 1.5-hectare plot on a steep slope right off the highway. The vines, trained in pergola, are planted mainly in Schiava but are very old and actually a field blend of many grapes both red and white, most of which the Mayrs do not know the name of. The viticulture is organic, certified by the German agency Bioland.

Trentino-Alto Adige is the northernmost wine region in Italy, bordering Austria. This region is divided into two distinct areas: Trentino in the south and Alto Adige (also known as Südtirol) in the north. Trentino is predominantly Italian-speaking, while Alto Adige has a primarily German-speaking population, reflecting its historical ties to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The region covers approximately 15,800 hectares of vineyards and produces around 1.3 million hectoliters of wine annually, with over 70% being white wine. The primary grape varieties in Trentino-Alto Adige are Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Schiava. The area is known for its diverse wine styles, including white, red, sparkling, and fortified wines.

Trentino, the southern part of the region, is renowned for producing crisp, mineral-driven white wines such as Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. It is also famous for red wines like Teroldego and Marzemino. The region is home to several DOCs, including Trentino DOC, Trentino Superiore DOC, and Trentino Riserva DOC. These appellations are known for their strict production standards and high-quality wines.

Alto Adige, or Südtirol, produces some of Italy's finest white wines, including Pinot Bianco, Gewürztraminer, and Moscato Rosa. The region's red wines, such as Lagrein and Pinot Nero, are also highly regarded. The region's DOCs, such as Alto Adige DOC and Alto Adige Valle Isarco DOC, reflect its commitment to quality and diversity in winemaking. The Terlano DOC is particularly noted for its excellent white wines, including Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

The climate in Trentino-Alto Adige is characterized by warm summers and cold winters, with significant diurnal temperature variations. This climate, combined with the region's varied topography and soil types, contributes to the complexity and uniqueness of its wines. The valley floors heat up quickly in the summer, sending warm air into the vineyard-lined slopes, resulting in ripe and flavorful grapes.

Overall, Trentino-Alto Adige offers a rich tapestry of wine styles and grape varieties, making it a fascinating region for wine lovers to explore. The combination of Italian and Germanic influences, along with the region's alpine terroir, creates distinctive and highly prized wines.