Wines Alto Adige Valle Isarco Kellerei Kurtatsch - 2023 - 2023

Viniou Reviews

The 2023 Cuvée Bianco from Kellerei Kurtatsch, produced in the Alto Adige Valle Isarco DOC, is an elegant example of the vibrant white wines typical of northern Italy. This wine is a blend, skillfully assembling native and international grape varieties, often including Pinot Grigio, Müller Thurgau, Sylvaner, and, at times, Kerner or Gewürztraminer. Each variety contributes its own aromatic signature and crisp acidity, culminating in a wine noted for its freshness and lively character. The 2023 vintage benefited from a season marked by cool nights and sunny days, enabling slow, even ripening and preserving precious acidity and purity of fruit. Vinification focuses on temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, designed to enhance aromatic extraction and maintain vivid minerality without imparting oak influence.

Alto Adige, and more precisely the Valle Isarco subregion, is renowned for its alpine landscape, with steep, terraced vineyards ascending high above the valley floor. The soils here are a fascinating mix of quartz-rich slate, granite, and mica-schist, which impart savoury, mineral notes to the wines. Bordered by the Alps, the region enjoys a continental climate with large diurnal variations, promoting slow ripening and remarkable aromatic precision in white varieties. Viticulture here has ancient roots, having been practised since the Middle Ages, and today it is famed for producing some of Italy’s freshest and most nuanced whites, largely thanks to the dedication of cooperative cellars like Kellerei Kurtatsch.

Pairing-wise, this crisp, aromatic white shines with food that matches its vibrant acidity and minerality. It is a natural companion to light seafood fare—think freshwater fish, grilled prawns, or steamed mussels. Given its Alto Adige origins, it works beautifully with local specialities such as speck, mountain cheeses, or Schlutzkrapfen (Tyrolean spinach ravioli). Its freshness also complements Asian-inspired dishes featuring ginger, lemongrass, or subtle spices.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this white blend well-chilled, ideally between 8 and 10°C. Use tulip-shaped white wine glasses to focus the delicate aromatics, and enjoy within its first few years to appreciate its vibrancy and alpine purity.