What wine is Alto Adige Bianco 'Appius' 2020 - San Michele Appiano

The Alto Adige Bianco 'Appius' 2020 - San Michele Appiano is a highly refined cuvée created by the mind and experience of Hans Terzer, the historic oenologist of the Alto Adige winery. It is the result of an ambitious project: to create the ideal white wine, capable of encapsulating the best expression of the Appiano territory. The grapes come from 25-35 year old vines, cultivated with intentionally low yields to ensure maximum aromatic concentration and complexity.

The blend is primarily composed of Chardonnay, joined by Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc. The result is a white wine with an elegant and articulate profile, where freshness, minerality, and structure coexist in perfect balance. It is a wine with an elegant character, a silky and profound sip, an authentic representation of the fresh and aromatic style typical of Alto Adige.

Vintage Details

2020 was a balanced vintage in Alto Adige: the mild and regular spring favored uniform bud break, while the summer, which was not excessively hot and featured good temperature swings between day and night, enhanced the aromatic component of the grapes. Well-distributed rainfall allowed for gradual ripening, resulting in healthy grapes concentrated in aromas.

Vinification and Ageing

The fermentation of the Alto Adige Bianco 'Appius' 2020 - San Michele Appiano takes place in small oak barriques, where the wine also continues its maturation (i.e., ageing). This passage in wood imparts complexity and softness, while frequent bâtonnage—stirring of the fine lees—enriches the body and creaminess of the sip. After a long refinement, the wine rests further in the bottle to develop harmony and aromatic depth.

Tasting Notes

The Alto Adige Bianco 'Appius' 2020 - San Michele Appiano captivates from the first glance and continues to surprise at every stage of the tasting.

Colour

Intense straw yellow with golden reflections, a sign of careful maturation and precise work in the cellar.

Nose

On the nose, it opens with complex and enveloping aromas: ripe yellow fruits such as peach and pineapple, followed by floral notes and hints of vanilla and hazelnut derived from the wood. Mineral sensations and light alpine herbs emerge in the background, giving it freshness and depth.

Palate

On the palate, it is broad, velvety, and perfectly balanced. The acidic vein is lively but elegant, supported by persistent minerality. The finish is long, harmonious, and delicately creamy. A wine that combines structure and finesse, leaving a sensation of balance and cleanliness.

Pairing with Alto Adige Bianco 'Appius' 2020 - San Michele Appiano

This white wine of great personality pairs beautifully with refined fish or white meat dishes. Also perfect as a meditation wine, it can elegantly accompany an entire dinner.

• Raw fish, tuna tartare, or salmon carpaccio
• Creamy vegetable or seafood risottos
• Baked sea bream or sea bass fillets
• Almond chicken or dishes with light sauces
• Soft cheeses of medium ageing

Storage and Ageing – how to store Alto Adige Bianco 'Appius' 2020 - San Michele Appiano wine

As a fine white wine, the Alto Adige Bianco 'Appius' 2020 - San Michele Appiano should be stored with care. Keep it horizontally, in a cool, dry place away from direct light, ideally between 12 and 14°C. The bottle should be opened at a serving temperature of approximately 10-12°C to best enhance its aromas and structure.

Despite its natural longevity, it is advisable to consume it within 2-3 years of purchase to appreciate its freshness, aromatic vibrancy, and pleasant minerality that characterize its profile.