Symbiosis, yesterday and today: our wine cellars

Quality is a mosaic of characteristics including the grape variety, the terroir, and the people. It begins in the vineyards, with the grapes themselves. Skilled workers in the vineyards and in the cellars then continue the process. It is imperative that no time be wasted in processing the grapes. In the cellars, the grapes, the must, and ultimately the wine are moved along by gravity. The barrels are obtained by master barrel-makers. The ancient walls of this historic castle are the backdrop for the fermentation process, and ensure optimal levels of humidity and temperature during the aging process. Cellar master Matthias Hauser has supervised this process for many years. These wines bear his signature. This guarantees quality and perfection during every phase of production.

Cellar master Matthias Hauser: "What we strive for in our wines: A strong character, with a clear expression of the terroir here in Kaltern am See in the South of South Tyrol. Fruity and fresh and eminently drinkable. Woody notes and alcohol are built into the structure. Elegance and harmony are the result. We give the wine enough time to mature, thus imbuing them with a great potential for durability."

It is important that the wine express the properties we aim for. It is also important that it "radiate" its characteristics and enthuse people. A comparison requires courage and decisiveness and demonstrates where we stand on our journey. Points and prizes are wonderful – but even better than reading about it is actually trying it. The proof is in the pudding! The best option is to visit our Vinothek. May we recommend our Merlot Nussleiten, which has received awards from Gambero Rosso for several years. Evidence of the uncompromising high-quality work of our cellar master Matthias Hauser.

There's a magic empire hidden under our castle: Three floors of wine-making and maturation, surrounded by thick stone walls and modern technology. First you pass the fermentation cellar where the wine is still being processed. Then you come to the barrique cellar, where the Leopoldine and Marei white wines are stored, followed by the barrique cellar for Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lagrein, and Merlot. Finally, you reach the thousand-year-old vaulted cellar eleven meters under the earth, where the next generation of Merlot Nussleiten is maturing. Only a select few are allowed a glimpse of the archive cellar – a treasure trove of special vintages and historical wines. A testament to the rich history and long tradition of wine-making here.

Always mindful, prudent, and meticulous: Matthias Hauser, as much a part of our world of wine as the grapevines themselves. A master of technique, he skillfully employs his talents and know-how in the service of the wine. He artfully combines what he knows with what he sees, feels, and tastes. And he humbly admits that he sometimes allows himself to be led by his instincts. At age 27, this trained enologist had already acquired a lot of practical experience. And that's when he came here and stayed. Many awards – including from the renowned Gambero Rosso – testify to his abilities.