“From top to bottom, the Terlano portfolio continues to be one of the brightest shining stars within Alto Adige. The Tradition line is priced remarkably well for the value it represents, seeking to provide a pure expression of variety and terroir. Readers can get a very good feel for the region and house style of these crisp, transparent yet wholly satisfying wines. As you work your way up to the Sauvignon Blanc Quarz and Winkl, you’ll find a deep and prestigious expression of the varietal from the first and a younger yet richer and easier drinking one from the latter. The Pinot Bianco Riserva Vorberg seems to be fighting to compete with the best whites of Burgundy. If I had to point out any weak point in the portfolio, it would be the two Lagreins, yet this is splitting hairs as these deep expressions simply don’t communicate their price point to me; that said, I’d never turn down a glass. The real highlight of their portfolio is their Terlaner blends. At the entry level, the Terlaner Cuvée, is a serious wine that over-delivers. The Terlaner range blends Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to varying degrees, starting with the Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus, a showstopper, and then moving up to the Terlaner Grande Cuvée Primo, which can compete with some of the top white wines around the world. How do they age, you might ask? Just take a look at the late release and limited Rarity portfolio (2008 Terlaner and 2009 Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus current vintages). These wines were vinified and refined for one year in large oak before being placed into a steel tank (2,500 liters) and allowed to mature on the lees for ten years or more. In fact, drinking their top wines young is a total disservice to what winemaker Rudi Kofler and his team have created at this bastion of tradition. If there was one stop to make while visiting the region that could give you a real sense of the Alto Adige experience, Terlano is it.”
“The Cantina Terlano 2021 Alto Adige Gewürztraminer Tradition (with 100,000 bottles made) is a sweet and fragrant wine with heavy beeswax, sticky apricot and canned peach. Made only in stainless steel, the wine follows up with tighter aromas of cumin and saffron over a generous finish. Dried herb and white flower also appear. Drink: 2022-2025. 91 points
Founded in 1893, Cantina Terlano is one of the leading quality cooperative wine estates in Europe. It is based in the village of Terlano near Bolzano and counts 143 members who together farm 190 hectares of vines. The soils are especially rich in reddish porphyry soils, quartz and other minerals because this area sits inside an ancient volcanic crater. This is the secret of these delicious wines, especially the late-release Rarity and the Terlaner I Grande Cuvée that are always among my top-scoring Italian white wines.
The estate philosophy was set by the legendary winemaker Sebastian Stocker and is rigorously followed today by current enologist Rudi Kofler and estate director Klaus Gasser. The estate has designed its own rounded bottle that is affectionately called the “Sebastianina,” named after Mr. Stocker who first designed it.
“Protecting our traditional bottle is part of our efforts to safeguard the Terlano brand,” says Klaus Gasser. “Its beauty and shape express the qualities want to transmit to the senses, and the bottle will be used on both the Selection and the Tradition lines from this point on.” The new bottles show a 10% reduction in glass weight.
Speaking of glass, Cantina Terlano has also introduced its own stemware, called Precision, made in partnership with the crystal factory Boema Cerva Bohemia. I am super excited to taste the wines of Terlano from these new glasses.”
“From top to bottom, the Terlano portfolio continues to be one of the brightest shining stars within Alto Adige. The Tradition line is priced remarkably well for the value it represents, seeking to provide a pure expression of variety and terroir. Readers can get a very good feel for the region and house style of these crisp, transparent yet wholly satisfying wines. As you work your way up to the Sauvignon Blanc Quarz and Winkl, you’ll find a deep and prestigious expression of the varietal from the first and a younger yet richer and easier drinking one from the latter. The Pinot Bianco Riserva Vorberg seems to be fighting to compete with the best whites of Burgundy. If I had to point out any weak point in the portfolio, it would be the two Lagreins, yet this is splitting hairs as these deep expressions simply don’t communicate their price point to me; that said, I’d never turn down a glass. The real highlight of their portfolio is their Terlaner blends. At the entry level, the Terlaner Cuvée, is a serious wine that over-delivers. The Terlaner range blends Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to varying degrees, starting with the Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus, a showstopper, and then moving up to the Terlaner Grande Cuvée Primo, which can compete with some of the top white wines around the world. How do they age, you might ask? Just take a look at the late release and limited Rarity portfolio (2008 Terlaner and 2009 Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus current vintages). These wines were vinified and refined for one year in large oak before being placed into a steel tank (2,500 liters) and allowed to mature on the lees for ten years or more. In fact, drinking their top wines young is a total disservice to what winemaker Rudi Kofler and his team have created at this bastion of tradition. If there was one stop to make while visiting the region that could give you a real sense of the Alto Adige experience, Terlano is it.”
“The 2021 Chardonnay Kreuth is floral yet understated in the glass, as swirling unlocks hints of crushed yellow apple and chamomile. This is silky-smooth, nearly oily in feel, with a citrus tinge to its ripe orchard fruits. A green melon note adds further contrast toward the close. It finishes zesty and crisp, leaving lime zest and spice behind. Drinking window: 2023-2026. 89 points
Terlano’s 2020s need a lot of time in the cellar. However, they do promise to pay dividends to wine lovers who can be patient. That said, the whites certainly outperform the reds in this turbulent vintage. The 2020 Primo and Riserva Vorberg are both simply stunning.”
“The 2020 Pinot Noir Riserva Monticol opens slowly in the glass, blending pretty rose tones with wild strawberries and dusty stone. This is pure elegance, silky yet finessed with crisp red fruits and crunchy minerality that adds a more tactile feel. The Monticol leaves a staining of youthful concentration and a sour citrus tinge that punctuates the style nicely. Drinking window: 2024-2028. 91 points
Terlano’s 2020s need a lot of time in the cellar. However, they do promise to pay dividends to wine lovers who can be patient. That said, the whites certainly outperform the reds in this turbulent vintage. The 2020 Primo and Riserva Vorberg are both simply stunning.”
“From top to bottom, the Terlano portfolio continues to be one of the brightest shining stars within Alto Adige. The Tradition line is priced remarkably well for the value it represents, seeking to provide a pure expression of variety and terroir. Readers can get a very good feel for the region and house style of these crisp, transparent yet wholly satisfying wines. As you work your way up to the Sauvignon Blanc Quarz and Winkl, you’ll find a deep and prestigious expression of the varietal from the first and a younger yet richer and easier drinking one from the latter. The Pinot Bianco Riserva Vorberg seems to be fighting to compete with the best whites of Burgundy. If I had to point out any weak point in the portfolio, it would be the two Lagreins, yet this is splitting hairs as these deep expressions simply don’t communicate their price point to me; that said, I’d never turn down a glass. The real highlight of their portfolio is their Terlaner blends. At the entry level, the Terlaner Cuvée, is a serious wine that over-delivers. The Terlaner range blends Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to varying degrees, starting with the Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus, a showstopper, and then moving up to the Terlaner Grande Cuvée Primo, which can compete with some of the top white wines around the world. How do they age, you might ask? Just take a look at the late release and limited Rarity portfolio (2008 Terlaner and 2009 Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus current vintages). These wines were vinified and refined for one year in large oak before being placed into a steel tank (2,500 liters) and allowed to mature on the lees for ten years or more. In fact, drinking their top wines young is a total disservice to what winemaker Rudi Kofler and his team have created at this bastion of tradition. If there was one stop to make while visiting the region that could give you a real sense of the Alto Adige experience, Terlano is it.”
“From top to bottom, the Terlano portfolio continues to be one of the brightest shining stars within Alto Adige. The Tradition line is priced remarkably well for the value it represents, seeking to provide a pure expression of variety and terroir. Readers can get a very good feel for the region and house style of these crisp, transparent yet wholly satisfying wines. As you work your way up to the Sauvignon Blanc Quarz and Winkl, you’ll find a deep and prestigious expression of the varietal from the first and a younger yet richer and easier drinking one from the latter. The Pinot Bianco Riserva Vorberg seems to be fighting to compete with the best whites of Burgundy. If I had to point out any weak point in the portfolio, it would be the two Lagreins, yet this is splitting hairs as these deep expressions simply don’t communicate their price point to me; that said, I’d never turn down a glass. The real highlight of their portfolio is their Terlaner blends. At the entry level, the Terlaner Cuvée, is a serious wine that over-delivers. The Terlaner range blends Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to varying degrees, starting with the Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus, a showstopper, and then moving up to the Terlaner Grande Cuvée Primo, which can compete with some of the top white wines around the world. How do they age, you might ask? Just take a look at the late release and limited Rarity portfolio (2008 Terlaner and 2009 Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus current vintages). These wines were vinified and refined for one year in large oak before being placed into a steel tank (2,500 liters) and allowed to mature on the lees for ten years or more. In fact, drinking their top wines young is a total disservice to what winemaker Rudi Kofler and his team have created at this bastion of tradition. If there was one stop to make while visiting the region that could give you a real sense of the Alto Adige experience, Terlano is it.”
“From top to bottom, the Terlano portfolio continues to be one of the brightest shining stars within Alto Adige. The Tradition line is priced remarkably well for the value it represents, seeking to provide a pure expression of variety and terroir. Readers can get a very good feel for the region and house style of these crisp, transparent yet wholly satisfying wines. As you work your way up to the Sauvignon Blanc Quarz and Winkl, you’ll find a deep and prestigious expression of the varietal from the first and a younger yet richer and easier drinking one from the latter. The Pinot Bianco Riserva Vorberg seems to be fighting to compete with the best whites of Burgundy. If I had to point out any weak point in the portfolio, it would be the two Lagreins, yet this is splitting hairs as these deep expressions simply don’t communicate their price point to me; that said, I’d never turn down a glass. The real highlight of their portfolio is their Terlaner blends. At the entry level, the Terlaner Cuvée, is a serious wine that over-delivers. The Terlaner range blends Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to varying degrees, starting with the Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus, a showstopper, and then moving up to the Terlaner Grande Cuvée Primo, which can compete with some of the top white wines around the world. How do they age, you might ask? Just take a look at the late release and limited Rarity portfolio (2008 Terlaner and 2009 Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus current vintages). These wines were vinified and refined for one year in large oak before being placed into a steel tank (2,500 liters) and allowed to mature on the lees for ten years or more. In fact, drinking their top wines young is a total disservice to what winemaker Rudi Kofler and his team have created at this bastion of tradition. If there was one stop to make while visiting the region that could give you a real sense of the Alto Adige experience, Terlano is it.”
“The Cantina Terlano 2019 Alto Adige Lagrein Riserva Porphyr is an opaque and richly concentrated wine that is almost impenetrable in appearance. Prune, raisin and all sorts of black fruits emerge heavily from the bouquet. The wine spreads richly over the palate, pushed forward by considerable fruit weight and pretty acidity. There are sweet earthy notes on the close of this 15,000-bottle release. Drink: 2022-2030. 93 points
Founded in 1893, Cantina Terlano is one of the leading quality cooperative wine estates in Europe. It is based in the village of Terlano near Bolzano and counts 143 members who together farm 190 hectares of vines. The soils are especially rich in reddish porphyry soils, quartz and other minerals because this area sits inside an ancient volcanic crater. This is the secret of these delicious wines, especially the late-release Rarity and the Terlaner I Grande Cuvée that are always among my top-scoring Italian white wines.
The estate philosophy was set by the legendary winemaker Sebastian Stocker and is rigorously followed today by current enologist Rudi Kofler and estate director Klaus Gasser. The estate has designed its own rounded bottle that is affectionately called the “Sebastianina,” named after Mr. Stocker who first designed it.
“Protecting our traditional bottle is part of our efforts to safeguard the Terlano brand,” says Klaus Gasser. “Its beauty and shape express the qualities want to transmit to the senses, and the bottle will be used on both the Selection and the Tradition lines from this point on.” The new bottles show a 10% reduction in glass weight.
Speaking of glass, Cantina Terlano has also introduced its own stemware, called Precision, made in partnership with the crystal factory Boema Cerva Bohemia. I am super excited to taste the wines of Terlano from these new glasses.”
“From top to bottom, the Terlano portfolio continues to be one of the brightest shining stars within Alto Adige. The Tradition line is priced remarkably well for the value it represents, seeking to provide a pure expression of variety and terroir. Readers can get a very good feel for the region and house style of these crisp, transparent yet wholly satisfying wines. As you work your way up to the Sauvignon Blanc Quarz and Winkl, you’ll find a deep and prestigious expression of the varietal from the first and a younger yet richer and easier drinking one from the latter. The Pinot Bianco Riserva Vorberg seems to be fighting to compete with the best whites of Burgundy. If I had to point out any weak point in the portfolio, it would be the two Lagreins, yet this is splitting hairs as these deep expressions simply don’t communicate their price point to me; that said, I’d never turn down a glass. The real highlight of their portfolio is their Terlaner blends. At the entry level, the Terlaner Cuvée, is a serious wine that over-delivers. The Terlaner range blends Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to varying degrees, starting with the Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus, a showstopper, and then moving up to the Terlaner Grande Cuvée Primo, which can compete with some of the top white wines around the world. How do they age, you might ask? Just take a look at the late release and limited Rarity portfolio (2008 Terlaner and 2009 Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus current vintages). These wines were vinified and refined for one year in large oak before being placed into a steel tank (2,500 liters) and allowed to mature on the lees for ten years or more. In fact, drinking their top wines young is a total disservice to what winemaker Rudi Kofler and his team have created at this bastion of tradition. If there was one stop to make while visiting the region that could give you a real sense of the Alto Adige experience, Terlano is it.”
“From top to bottom, the Terlano portfolio continues to be one of the brightest shining stars within Alto Adige. The Tradition line is priced remarkably well for the value it represents, seeking to provide a pure expression of variety and terroir. Readers can get a very good feel for the region and house style of these crisp, transparent yet wholly satisfying wines. As you work your way up to the Sauvignon Blanc Quarz and Winkl, you’ll find a deep and prestigious expression of the varietal from the first and a younger yet richer and easier drinking one from the latter. The Pinot Bianco Riserva Vorberg seems to be fighting to compete with the best whites of Burgundy. If I had to point out any weak point in the portfolio, it would be the two Lagreins, yet this is splitting hairs as these deep expressions simply don’t communicate their price point to me; that said, I’d never turn down a glass. The real highlight of their portfolio is their Terlaner blends. At the entry level, the Terlaner Cuvée, is a serious wine that over-delivers. The Terlaner range blends Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to varying degrees, starting with the Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus, a showstopper, and then moving up to the Terlaner Grande Cuvée Primo, which can compete with some of the top white wines around the world. How do they age, you might ask? Just take a look at the late release and limited Rarity portfolio (2008 Terlaner and 2009 Terlaner Riserva Nova Domus current vintages). These wines were vinified and refined for one year in large oak before being placed into a steel tank (2,500 liters) and allowed to mature on the lees for ten years or more. In fact, drinking their top wines young is a total disservice to what winemaker Rudi Kofler and his team have created at this bastion of tradition. If there was one stop to make while visiting the region that could give you a real sense of the Alto Adige experience, Terlano is it.”
“The 2014 Nusserhof Elda is a field blend, based on 90-year-old, pergola-trained Schiava grown to extremely low yields, with around 15% other varieties. The fruit is co-fermented with natural yeasts for four to six weeks, and then aged for up to twenty months in 20-hectoliter French botti. The first thing that stands out is the color, which is a vibrant yet translucent ruby with an amber hue. It leaps from the glass with a display of contrasts, being both incredibly savory, herbal and earthy, but also showing remarkable purity of fruit with bright citrus-tinged strawberry. Soft and vibrant, the Elda dazzles the senses with tart red berries and minerals, while also coming across as nearly weightless at times. There’s so much to like here, with even a hint of grippy tannin and spice that lingers. This is not your average Schiava. Drinking window: 2020-2030. 91 points
The walled-in Nusserhof winery and vineyards are tucked snuggly into the city of Bolzano, as if time had somehow forgotten them, yet that’s exactly how Heinrich and Elda Mayr would like things to stay. This family started tending vines in the area as far back as 1788, and today they work a mere three hectares around the property, along with a tiny parcel of pergola-trained, old-vine Schiava about a mile away. Practices in the vineyards are all organic, raising Lagrein, Teroldego and the nearly-extinct Blatterle to fill their unique and purely traditionally-made portfolio. The family continues to produce their wines without any temperature control, using long macerations, aging in large oak casks and releasing late by any local producers’ standards. These are wines of soul, dark in nature, but also teeming with energy while communicating their alpine roots and the passion of their makers. The most recent releases, which at this estate are from the 2013 and 2014 vintages, really show Nusserhof’s experience with and mastery of Lagrein and Teroldego. These are wonderfully balanced expressions of each variety with surprisingly low alcohol levels. While the Blatterle (2018 B..te..e) didn’t thrill me, I could certainly see it pairing wonderfully with the regional cuisine.”
