Schiava Abbazia di Novacella 2023

Schiava from Abbazia di Novacella is a fragrant fruity red wine, representing the oldest tradition in South Tyrol. Until the 1960s, this indigenous red grape variety was the most widely cultivated for the production of wines to be sold in bulk on the main markets of northern Europe. Only after the white wine revolution in South Tyrol did Schiava give way to international white varieties and find its way back to quality in a few areas particularly suited to its needs. Vinification only in stainless steel enhances its freshness and expressive immediacy, the true strengths of the variety.

The Schiava wine of the Abbey of Novacella is a label produced by one of the oldest wineries in the region, which was already producing wine in the 22nd century. Today, it is the most important winery in the Eisack Valley, with 26 hectares of its own vineyards and historic partnerships with many small winegrowers. The white grapes are cultivated in the Varna and Bressanone area, while the Schiava vineyards are located on the Cornaiano estate and are cultivated at an altitude between 350 and 420 metres above sea level. The vines take root in soils consisting of moraine deposits of pebbles, gravel and sand, which are very well drained and suitable for the vine. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with a short fermentation on the skins lasting only 5 days. Before bottling, the wine matures for six months in steel tanks.

Abbazia di Novacella's Schiava red is a wine with a classic profile, which allows the best possible appreciation of the characteristics of this historic indigenous grape variety. It is an easy and flowing red wine that is particularly ductile in table pairings. It is perfect with tasty and flavoursome first courses or with white meat main courses. In the glass it is light ruby red in colour, almost transparent. On the nose it offers fragrant aromas of raspberry, redcurrant, wild strawberry, cherry, floral hints and aromatic mountain herbs. On the palate it is medium-bodied, with fine, delicate tannins and juicy, crisp aromas that anticipate a fresh, savoury, slightly almondy finish. Also excellent to drink in summer at a cool temperature.