Description
Schloss Englar, situated in the Sud Tyrol or Alto Ardige region of northeastern Italy, is owned by Count Johannes Graf Khuen-Belasi, whose family roots here go back to the 12th century. The 10 hectares of vineyards surround the gothic Schloss and chapel, between 300-550 meters, protected by the Dolomites to their back they have a low rainfall and long sunshine hours.
American, Amy Kadison looks after the winemaking, benefiting from the new wine cellar dug out of the hillside close to the chapel. Her wines offer stunning varietal character, lovely freshness and real length and depth.
Their delightful dry Riesling comes from 40 year old vines grown on a south-facing slope 500m above sea level, on a mix of limestone, gravel and clay. Careful hand selection through three successive harvests from end of September through mid-October ensured each bunch was taken from the vine at optimum ripeness. Each harvest was fermented separately using native yeasts in stainless steel tanks. Wines were aged for 8 months on fine lees, partly in steel and partly in tonneaux. With a vibrant fruit-driven nose with notes of apricot and peach, with nuances of hay, grass and herbs. The play between sugar and acidity creates a supple texture in the mouth that is structured with a long-lasting, minerally backbone. Delicious!
