Cantina Terlano Quarz Sauvignon 2020

“The word ‘spicy’ doesn’t do the 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Quarz justice, as this goes much deeper than that. Exotic curries, ginger, smoke and tomato leaf can all be found; yet beneath it all, there’s a vivid note of honeydew melon. This is silky-smooth and pliant upon entry, yet it slowly saturates the palate in primary concentration, as pepper-tinged nectarine and lemon extracts resonate throughout. There’s so much youthful tension, power and staining depths within, and also a balancing flourish of sweet inner florals that lasts incredibly long. The 2020 Quarz is going to require cellaring to show its best, but it will absolutely be worth waiting for. This is world-class Sauvignon. Drinking window: 2024-2034. 93+ points

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.”

Eric Guido, Vinous (06/22)