Sylvaner 'Praepositus' Abbazia di Novacella 2022

The Sylvaner 'Praepositus' from the winery Abbazia di Novacella is a South Tyrolean bottle that fully expresses the fresh and mineral spirit of the terroir. Wine has been produced within the Abbey of Novacella since as far back as 1142, making it one of the oldest wineries in the world. The fulcrum of production is the white grape varieties of Austrian and German origin-Rhenish Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Kerner, Müller Thurgau and, indeed, Sylvaner, an ancient variety originating in Central Europe, which the premium 'Praepositus' line aims to enhance.

Abbazia di Novacella 'Praepositus' Sylvaner is derived from the white grape variety of the same name grown within the Conca di Bressanone on soils consisting of permeable moraine deposits composed of mycascist, paragneiss and quartzite. The vines are between 15 and 20 years old and are located at 650-750 meters above sea level. Once the grapes have been harvested, the clusters are gently pressed, and the resulting must be sent through temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation, 60 percent in stainless steel tanks, 30 percent in 30-hectoliter acacia barrels and 10 percent in French oak barriques. The maturation phase lasts 10 months and takes place in the same types of wine containers.

'Praepositus' Abbazia di Novacella Sylvaner has a pale straw yellow colour with green-gold highlights. The nose offers aromas of citrus, ripe pear, apricot and white flowers, enriched by vegetal and smoky hints. Warm and elegant sip, fresh and subtle, characterized by a long mineral persistence. Although delicious in its youth, Sylvaner 'Praepositus' can evolve suavely and harmoniously for several years. The recommendation is to pair it with tasty first and second courses of seafood, risotto or even white meats.