Weingut Nicolussi-Leck
The Kreithof, as the ancestral estate is known, is located near the idyllic Lake Caldaro in South Tyrol (Alto Adige) and has been cultivated by the Nicolussi-Leck family since 1915. Standing guard over it are the medieval ruins of Leuchtenburg Castle, which – like the estate – dates back to the 13th century and was presumably also associated with nearby Laimburg Castle in the Etsch Valley.
Today, the winery is run by Jakob Nicolussi and his wife Stephanie with his parents’ support. Around 5 hectares lie between the lake and Leuchtenburg. There are east, south and west-facing slopes at about 350 metres above sea level, some with a gradient of up to 40% and warm, loamy soils and the porphyry rock of Mitterberg mountain. Each vineyard or plot of land has its own unique microclimate and soil composition that distinguish it from the others. This diversity was used to select the ideal location for each grape variety.
White wines from Weingut Nicolussi-Leck
Red wines from Weingut Nicolussi-Leck
from Weingut Nicolussi-Leck
Vernatsch is a must in South Tyrol, typically and best grown on traditional pergolas. Lagrein and the white varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Gewürztraminer are equally characteristic of this wine heaven in the far north of Italy. Merlot and Cabernet Franc have also found a home at Nicolussi-Leck.
The historic wine cellar and two ancient buildings give us an idea of how the estate must have looked in the Middle Ages. The new, state-of-the-art wine cellar, built into the hillside over several floors, offers a striking visual contrast. The hand-picked grapes are gently vinified here using the force of gravity. This results in very variety-typical, precise wines that are quite simply a delight. They all bear the names of family members and the label, like the logo, features a stylised Leuchtenburg Castle.
The winery also has a small, charming bed & breakfast – the ideal location for hiking, cycling and dolce far niente by the lake. www.kreithof.it
Producer
Domaine des Pères de l'Eglise
In 1933, the winegrowers and wine merchants of Châteauneuf-du-Pape were the first to impose quality rules relating to the cultivation and production of wines that would bear the name Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The geographic definition of the cultivation area, along with the other regulations, is still in force today, in order to guarantee the wine quality for connoisseurs. The Gradassi family of the Domaine des Pères de l’Église is following the tradition, but with the fresh impetus provided by the young fourth generation.
Domaine Marcel Couturier
Founded by Marcel Couturier with his first vintage in 2005, this small estate has made a name for itself. The winery is located in the commune of Fuissé in the southernmost part of Burgundy, with stunning views of the village of Loché, Mâcon and the great plain of Bresse.
Weingut Rings
Weingut Rings, part of the Palatinate’s vineyard premier league, lies embedded in the sun-drenched Palatinate, right in the middle of the Freinsheim winegrowing district. For more than a decade, the new generation of the Rings family has been passionately concentrating on the ecological production of high quality dry wines. The hallmarks of Weingut Rings are well-balanced, dense wines with pronounced character and great cellar potential.