Sauvignon (2023) - Colterenzio
In the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige, the Colterenzio winery is a symbol of innovation and tradition. Founded in 1960 by 28 visionary growers, it now has more than 300 members tending the vineyards of the area with passion. One fascinating detail concerns their Sauvignon: the story goes that in a particularly difficult vintage a young winemaker at the estate, inspired by old winemaking techniques passed down by word of mouth, managed to save the harvest and made a wine that quickly became a legend among local enthusiasts. That episode strengthens the bond between the community and the land, showing how tradition and innovation can sit happily side by side.
Sauvignon (2023) - Colterenzio
Type: Vino Bianco
Area: Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Cornaiano and Appiano
Appellation: Alto Adige DOC
Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2023
Winery: Colterenzio
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 Sauvignon
Who makes it: Colterenzio
Colterenzio (Kellerei Schreckbichl) is one of the most important cooperative wineries of Alto Adige, founded in 1960 by a group of 28 winegrowers.Today it has around 300 members, farming more than 300 hectares of vineyards.Based at Cornaiano (Schreckbichl), above Bolzano, Colterenzio has made its name through: its rigorous approach to quality its respect for biodiversity its championing of the various microzones of the OltradigeLed by Wolfgang Tratter (winemaker) and Luis Raifer (the long-standing director who drove the quality revival from the 80s onwards), the winery combines tradition and innovation perfectly. Production philosophy: attention to sustainability bringing out varietal typicity clean, precise winemaking day-to-day work on the idea of “mountain wines”
Find out more about ColterenzioThe vine of Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous and widely planted black grape varieties in the world, prized for its ability to produce elegant, structured and long-lived wines. Native to France, and in particular to the Bordeaux region, it is now grown in almost every wine-producing country, adapting to different climates and terroirs. With its distinctive aromatic profile and its versatility, Cabernet Sauvignon is considered the "king" of red varieties.
Find out moreSauvignon: the area of Cornaiano and Appiano
Cornaiano and Appiano
Cornaiano (Girlan) and Appiano (Eppan) are among the most important and best-suited winegrowing hubs on the Alto Adige Wine Road, in the province of Bolzano.On the western side of the Adige Valley, at the foot of Monte Mendola, between 400 and 600 metres above sea level, these areas benefit from limestone, porphyritic and clay soils, an Alpine climate with Mediterranean influences and marked day-night temperature swings, which give the wines finesse, freshness and great elegance. The area is famous above all for its structured, long-lived whites — Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer — and for elegant reds from Pinot Nero.
Find out more about Cornaiano and AppianoClimate: Alpine
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Sauvignon
Primary aromas: Citrus, White fruit
Secondary aromas: Aromatic herbs
Tertiary aromas: Citrus, White flowers, Mineral notes
Tasting notes: A fresh, aromatic white wine with notes of tropical fruit and a mineral finish.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Fresh |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Absent |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Media |
| Colour | Straw yellow with pale green highlights |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Sauvignon
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 Sauvignon
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 Sauvignon
- No contact with the lees