What kind of wine is Alto Adige Valle Isarco Riesling DOC Praepositus 2022

The Alto Adige Valle Isarco Riesling DOC Praepositus 2022 is an elegant and territorial white wine, produced from vineyards owned by the Novacella Abbey, one of the oldest in South Tyrol. It is made from Rhine Riesling grapes, a German varietal that finds an ideal habitat in this valley thanks to the cool climate and schist and sandy soils. The result is a fresh, aromatic, and mineral wine, capable of expressing the purity and verticality typical of high-altitude whites.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage in Alto Adige was characterized by a balanced climate, with a warm summer interspersed with well-distributed rainfall. The temperature fluctuations between day and night, particularly pronounced in the Valle Isarco, allowed the grapes to ripen while maintaining a vibrant natural acidity and impeccable aromatic freshness. This vintage yielded balanced wines that strongly express the territory.

Vinification and Aging

The vinification of Alto Adige Valle Isarco Riesling DOC Praepositus 2022 takes place with temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel, a choice that preserves the natural fragrance and citrus notes of the varietal. After vinification, the wine continues with several months of aging on the fine lees – the solid particles of the wine – which enrich its structure and complexity, without the use of wood. The result is a clear white, consistent with the fresh and mineral style typical of the abbey.

Tasting Notes

The Praepositus Riesling 2022 stands out for its elegance and aromatic precision. It is a wine that captivates with its gustatory tension and a pleasant savory persistence.

Color

In the glass, it presents a pale straw yellow with delicate greenish reflections, typical of young and fresh Rieslings.

Nose

The nose opens with aromas of citrus, white peach, and wild flowers, followed by light mineral and hydrocarbon nuances, which will become more evident with bottle aging. The bouquet is clean and focused on freshness.

Palate

On the palate, it is vibrant and savory, with a slender structure underlined by a marked acidity that provides rhythm and length. The minerality accompanies the entire sip, leaving a sensation of cleanliness and aromatic precision. The finish is dry, harmonious, and long-lasting.

What dishes to pair with Alto Adige Valle Isarco Riesling DOC Praepositus 2022

This Riesling from Novacella Abbey is extraordinarily versatile at the table. It pairs perfectly with:

• steamed or grilled white fish;
• dishes based on crustaceans and seafood;
• fresh and goat cheeses;
• delicately spiced Asian specialties or light vegetarian dishes.

For those who love contrasts, it can also accompany lightly spiced dishes, thanks to its freshness and balanced acidity that balances more intense flavors.

Storage and aging: how to store Alto Adige Valle Isarco Riesling DOC Praepositus 2022

The Praepositus Riesling 2022 is a wine with a fine and delicate structure, which best expresses its vitality in the first few years after the harvest. It is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature, preferably between 10 and 14°C, keeping the bottle laid down to keep the cork moist.

It can evolve pleasantly for 2-3 years, developing more complex aromatic nuances and more marked mineral notes. However, the ideal experience is to enjoy it young, when its freshness and vibrancy are at their peak.