What kind of wine is Alto Adige Schiava DOC 'Hexenbichler' 2024 - Cantina Tramin?

Alto Adige Schiava DOC 'Hexenbichler' 2024 - Cantina Tramin is a light and pleasantly fruity red wine, a symbol of South Tyrolean winemaking tradition. The name "Hexenbichler" means "witches' hill" and refers to ancient legends from Termeno, home to the historic Cantina Tramin. It is primarily made from Schiava grapes, an indigenous variety of Alto Adige, with a small addition of Lagrein that adds structure and color. Sourced from vineyards located at different altitudes, in areas characterized by significant temperature excursions and calcareous-clay soils with the presence of gravel, this wine stands out for its balance of freshness, aroma, and easy drinkability.

Vintage Details

The 2024 vintage was marked by a balanced climate, with mild summers and sunny days that favored an even ripening of the grapes. The cool nights typical of Alto Adige helped preserve the fruity aromas and vibrant acidity of the Schiava, resulting in a wine of immediate pleasantness and great harmony between aroma and taste.

Winemaking and Aging

The vinification of Alto Adige Schiava DOC 'Hexenbichler' 2024 - Cantina Tramin takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel to enhance the fruit's fragrance. After a brief maceration on the skins, which imparts the typical light ruby color and delicate tannins, the wine ages for about 7 months in stainless steel. This winemaking method preserves freshness and varietal purity, making the wine ready to be enjoyed immediately, in its most authentic and convivial form.

Tasting Notes

Color
Visually, it presents a vibrant light ruby red, with bright reflections and brilliant transparency, typical of Schiava.

Nose
The aroma is intense but delicate, dominated by notes of cherry, wild strawberry, and sweet almond. Subtle floral hints of violet also emerge, along with a spicy touch that enriches its bouquet.

Palate
On the palate, it is harmonious, with a light body and very soft tannins. The vibrant acidity provides freshness and invites further sips, while the persistence leaves a pleasantly fruity memory. It is an immediate, balanced, and genuine wine, perfect for those seeking an easy yet not trivial red.

Food Pairings for Alto Adige Schiava DOC 'Hexenbichler' 2024 - Cantina Tramin

This wine pairs wonderfully with traditional South Tyrolean dishes and informal meals. Thanks to its lightness and versatility, it enhances simple and genuine flavors such as:

• platters of local cured meats and cheeses
• dumplings (canederli) and mountain cuisine dishes
• roasted or grilled white meats
• vegetable dishes and savory tarts

Served slightly chilled, around 14-16°C, it also elegantly accompanies the classic South Tyrolean afternoon snack ("Marende"), making it an ideal companion wine for any occasion.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Alto Adige Schiava DOC 'Hexenbichler' 2024 - Cantina Tramin

To fully appreciate its fragrance and vitality, Alto Adige Schiava DOC 'Hexenbichler' 2024 - Cantina Tramin should be consumed within 2-3 years of the harvest. It can be stored in a cellar horizontally, at a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C, away from light sources and vibrations. Although not a wine for long aging, a brief bottle aging can further enhance its notes of ripe red fruit and the typical elegance of the Schiava grape.