Praepositus Sylvaner

Not all estates can boast a long winemaking history like that of Novacella Abbey, where the Augustinian order has been producing wine since 1142! Centuries of experience, combined with modern technology and the great passion of those who collaborate in the vineyard and in the cellar, leads to the creation of wines with great personality capable of expressing all the potential of this border terroir. Novacella Abbey is located in the northernmost wine-growing area of ​​Italy, in Alto Adige, where the altitude, between 600 and 900 meters, the cool climate and mineral-rich soils, allow for the optimal development of aromas and flavor, typical characteristics of the wines of the Isarco Valley such as Sylvaner, Müller Thurgau, Kerner, Gewürztraminer, Veltliner, whose grapes thrive on the sunny slopes around Novacella. The red grape varieties owned by the estate, however, are grown further south in the region, namely Lagrein near Bolzano, Schiava Gentile, Pinot Noir and Moscato Rosa on the Corniano estate. Today the Abbey has 25 hectares of property, but produces wine from grapes from around fifty hectares cultivated by the cooperative members. The control of the grapes by the members and the passion with which the Abbey has dedicated itself to the production of wines for centuries are synonymous with absolute quality, with labels that are faithful custodians of centuries-old traditions, never betrayed by innovative methodologies.

The Praepositus Sylvaner of the Novacella Abbey represents an authentic expression of the Alto Adige terroir and a tribute to the Sylvaner grape variety, often underestimated but capable of giving unique emotions. Produced in one of the oldest wineries in Italy, this wine embodies the thousand-year-old winemaking tradition and contemporary winemaking innovation. The Sylvaner grapes destined for Praepositus come from vineyards located in the Bressanone Basin, an area characterized by a cool and breezy climate, significant temperature variations and moraine soils rich in minerals. This combination of soil and climate factors gives the wine a marked minerality, a vibrant acidity and a complex aroma. The vinification of Praepositus Sylvaner is carried out with great care and attention to detail. After a manual harvest, the grapes are softly pressed and the must ferments partly in stainless steel, partly in acacia wood barrels and a small part in barriques. This choice allows to preserve the freshness and fragrance of the fruit, enriching at the same time the aromatic profile with more complex and spicy notes. The refinement takes place on the fine yeasts for a few months, contributing to a greater structure and complexity of the wine.

Bright straw yellow color with greenish reflections, a symptom of the youth and freshness of the wine, the nose is intense and complex, dominated by fruity notes of pear, green apple, white peach and citrus, enriched by floral nuances of elderberry and hawthorn. Delicate mineral and spicy hints also emerge, typical of the terroir.
On the palate, Praepositus Sylvaner is balanced, fresh and savoury, with a good structure and a vibrant acidity that supports its long persistence. The fruit is ripe and juicy, while the mineral and spicy notes give the wine a unique complexity and elegance. The finish is long and persistent, with pleasant aromatic returns. Praepositus Sylvaner is an extremely versatile wine, perfect for accompanying a wide range of dishes. It pairs very well with fish appetizers, shellfish, seafood risotto, white meats, fresh cheeses and vegetarian dishes. Its freshness and minerality also make it an excellent aperitif.

Serving temperature 10°- 12°C

Production area: Trentino Alto Adige

Vintage: 2022

Alcohol: 14%

Capacity: 75 cl.

Company: Abbazia di Novacella

Vine variety: 100% Sylvaner

Denomination: Alto Adige DOC

Recommended pairings: Fish appetizers, Shellfish, Seafood risotto, White meats, Fresh cheeses, Vegetarian dishes