Pinot Grigio (2024) - Kaltern
In the heart of the picturesque village of Caldaro, the Kaltern winery keeps a fascinating story tied to Pinot Grigio. The story goes that in the early years of the twentieth century a young local winemaker, taken by the potential of the Pinot Gris variety, decided to plant the first vines on the hills around Lake Caldaro. With his innovative vision, this pioneer helped turn the area into a benchmark for high-quality Pinot Grigio. Today the Kaltern winery carries on that tradition, celebrating the legacy of that young visionary with every bottle it makes.
Pinot Grigio (2024) - Kaltern
Type: Vino Bianco
Area: Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Caldaro (Kaltern)
Appellation: Alto Adige DOC
Grape variety: Pinot gris
Vintage: 2024
Winery: Kaltern
Alcohol: 13%
The appellation: Alto Adige DOC
Alto Adige DOC (Südtirol DOC in German) is one of the most prestigious and best-known appellations in Italy for the production of top-quality white and red wines. Established in 1975, this DOC covers the entire winegrowing territory of the autonomous province of Bolzano and forms a mosaic of micro-areas and grape varieties, characterised by varying altitudes, wide temperature swings and complex soils. The strength of Alto Adige DOC lies in its extraordinary variety and in its ability to express freshness, elegance and aromatic precision, in both whites and reds.
Find out more about Alto Adige DOCWhat to eat with Pinot Grigio
Who makes it: Kaltern
Cantina Kaltern (in German Kellerei Kaltern) is one of the most representative cooperative wineries of Alto Adige, based at Caldaro on the shores of the lake of the same name. Its roots go back more than a century and today it brings together around 600 winegrowing families who share a common vision: to make high-quality wines with the utmost respect for nature and for the land. Kaltern believes in the strength of cooperation, in transparency in production and in championing native grape varieties, in particular Schiava, which gives rise to the famous Kalterersee.
Find out more about KalternThe vine of Pinot Grigio
Pinot gris
Pinot Gris is a grey-berried variety belonging to the Pinot family, closely related to Pinot Noir. Native to Burgundy, it has spread to various wine regions of the world, taking on unique characteristics according to the terroir. Known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, in Alsace and Germany it takes on more structured expressions, with greater complexity and ageing potential.
Find out morePinot Grigio: the Caldaro (Kaltern) area
Caldaro (Kaltern)
Caldaro, or Kaltern in German, is a charming wine village in the autonomous province of Bolzano, in the heart of Alto Adige / Südtirol. It sits near the lake of the same name (Kalterer See), which helps to create an ideal microclimate for viticulture: Mediterranean in its temperatures, but Alpine in its altitude and its winds. Caldaro is famous for its "Kalterersee" wine, a light, fruity red based on Schiava (Vernatsch), a symbol of South Tyrolean conviviality. But there is no shortage of excellence among the mineral whites from Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon and Gewürztraminer and the more structured reds from Lagrein and Pinot Nero, grown in the higher hillside areas.
Find out more about Caldaro (Kaltern)Climate: Alpine
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Pinot Grigio
Primary aromas: White flowers, White fruit
Secondary aromas: Alpine herbs
Tertiary aromas: Nuts, Honey, Mineral notes
Tasting notes: This 2024 Pinot Grigio offers a bouquet of white fruit and white flowers, with a mineral freshness typical of the Alto Adige region.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Fresh |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Absent |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Media |
| Colour | Pale straw yellow |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Pinot Grigio
Stainless steel winemaking for freshness and aromas
Stainless steel winemaking is a modern, versatile technique, particularly prized for producing fresh, aromatic and lively wines. Thanks to the use of stainless steel tanks, fermentation takes place in a neutral, controlled environment, preserving the primary characteristics of the grape variety and of the terroir as fully as possible. This approach makes it possible to obtain wines that clearly express their varietal personality and a pleasant lightness.What is Stainless Steel Winemaking? Stainless steel winemaking involves the use of stainless steel tanks during alcoholic fermentation and, often, during ageing as well. These vessels guarantee a hygienic, controlled environment, free from outside influences that might alter the aromatic profile of the wine. What is more, precise temperature control helps develop fresh, fruity aromas, avoiding oxidation or unwanted fermentations. Advantages of Stainless Steel WinemakingPreserving freshness: the primary aromas of the grape variety remain intact. Temperature control: it allows slow, steady fermentations, bringing out the aromas and the structure. Aromatic purity: stainless steel adds no outside flavours, guaranteeing an authentic product.Stages of Stainless Steel Winemaking 1. Harvest and Pressing The grapes are picked at the right degree of ripeness and gently pressed to obtain a clean, high-quality must. 2. Settling the Must The must is clarified to remove any solid residues, ensuring a clean fermentation. 3. Fermentation in Stainless Steel Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with strict temperature control (generally between 10°C and 18°C for whites and rosés). 4. Stabilisation After fermentation, the wine is left to rest in the tanks to refine and stabilise, before bottling.Characteristics of the Resulting Wines ColourWhites: bright straw yellow with greenish highlights. Rosés: delicate tones of pale pink or salmon. Light reds: pale ruby red with lively transparency.AromasFruity: notes of citrus, peach, green apple and berries. Floral: hints of white flowers, violets or dog rose. Mineral: fresh, saline nuances, typical of certain terroirs.TasteFresh and lively: with balanced acidity and a light body. Harmonious: perfect for drinking young and informally.Grape Varieties Ideal for Stainless Steel Winemaking White Grape VarietiesVermentino: perfect for bringing out freshness and minerality. Sauvignon Blanc: aromatic and vibrant, with citrus and tropical fruit notes.Black Grape VarietiesPinot Nero: ideal for rosés and light, elegant reds. Montepulciano: perfect for fresh, fruity rosés.Why Choose a Wine Made in Stainless Steel? A wine made in stainless steel is the essence of freshness and varietal purity, perfect for anyone looking for intense aromas, liveliness and lightness. Ideal for aperitifs, light dishes and convivial moments, these wines are a true tribute to nature and to the quality of the grapes.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Pinot Grigio
In stainless steel
Ageing in stainless steel is a winemaking practice aimed at preserving the freshness, aromatic integrity and varietal purity of the wine. It is used above all for white, rosé and young red wines, but also for light, easy-drinking reds that do not require maturation in wood. Stainless steel vessels are inert and impermeable to oxygen, so they do not interact with the wine: this makes it possible to bring out the fruity, floral and mineral component of the grape and of the terroir.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Pinot Grigio
- No contact with the lees