Tasting Notes
The story
The winery which merged with Cantina Kaltern (Caldaro) at the end of 2016 told me in 2017 that they have started labelling this wine as Pinot Bianco so that people expect a dry, Italian white wine. Weissburgunder is the German name for the Pinot Bianco or Pinot Blanc grape.
The wine
I am still quite blown away by this wine so have brought it back into the portfolio for this 2016 vintage; it just seems to get better and better. If you don't like oaked whites, you will love this wine which is both amazingly fresh and yet quite complex in character.
The aromas on the nose are very light, as you would expect from a Pinot Bianco/ Pinot Blanc but hint at the complex nature of the wine - subtle apple and pear bouquets with hints of lime. Ripe pears and Granny Smith apples are obvious on the palate; the long finish sees lime kicking in at the end which with the crisp acidity gives it a very fresh character, yet with a silky smooth mouthfeel. A delicious crisp wine which is great to drink on its own but complements seafood and fish dishes especially.
Food Pairing
This makes for a lovely aperitif and is recommended for drinking with fish and chicken, cheese, charcuterie and rich cheese dishes.
Producer's Notes
Bright straw yellow with greenish reflexes. Very fine bouquet, soft notes of apple dominate. Very straightforward on the palate with an elegant freshness and minerality and fine structure.
Awards
89 points Robert Parker Jul 2017
"Erste+Neue has created a delightful white wine that would pair beautifully with fried calamari and sweet shrimp. The 2016 Alto Adige Pinot Bianco is a crisp and delineated expression that flows forward with balanced acidity and white fruit flavors. Honeydew melon, white peach and passion fruit emerge from the bouquet.
Ertse+Neue merged with Cantina Kaltern (Caldaro) at the end of 2016. Together these two wineries create a superpower on the Alto Adige wine scene, and it will be interesting to see what changes these two united brands will put forth in the future."
