Cool as an Alpine Lake

Nestled between the majestic peaks of the Dolomite Alps, the area surrounding Lake Caldaro in the German-speaking region of Trentino-Alto Adige is an optimum wine producing subzone within Italy’s vast viticultural mosaic. Located between Trento and Bolzano, just a few miles from the Swiss-Austrian border, Lake Caldaro’s ideal combination of marrying factors make a perfect area for fine wine production. High altitude, warm summer days and cool summer nights, plus excellent ventilation provided by the large body of water, all help to create wines that are fresh and balanced. Amidst this tranquil Alpine valley lie the vineyards of Castel Sallegg, a company fortunate enough to possess some of the most desirable sites on the slopes of the lake, making its wines local summer favorites.

Three varieties typically cultivated in the region, Schiava and Lagrein, and Moscato Giallo, provide Castel Sallegg with what are arguably its most distinctive wines. Schiava finds its greatest expression on the western side of the the lake, where it is trained in the traditional pergola system. This allows the grapes to achieve maximum ripeness and attain the most unique reflection of their terroir. A lightly-colored red wine, Castel Sallegg’s Schiava is also known as “Bischofsleiten”, or “Bishop’s Slope”, in reference to its founder, the Bishop of Trento. Considered by many producers to be the zone’s best site, the term can be interpreted as a by-word for Schiava at its very finest.

Lagrein is a perfect example of a variety which profits from Lake Caldaro’s unique climate. The drainage of Castel Sallegg’s clayey, sandy subsoil “stresses” the vines and forces their roots to grow deeper in search of water. A more intensely colored and flavored wine than the Schiava Bischofsleiten, Castel Sallegg’s Lagrein Riserva is a warm and velvety red -- the perfect accompaniment to some of the region’s winter dishes. The Lagrein grape is also used to produce a refreshing rosé. Named Nives, (a reference to the region’s snowcapped mountains) Lagrein Rosato’s screw-cap makes it the perfect outdoor picnic wine for summer. Moscato Giallo, or “Goldenmuskateller” as it often called locally, is an aromatic grape also considered indigenous to Trentino-Alto Adige. Its pronounced, deep golden color and unctuous mouthfeel make it an excellent pairing for richer foods, and is often paired with some of the region’s cow’s milk cheeses.

Castel Sallegg also cultivates Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero grapes, for which the sandy, pebbly limestone around Lake Caldaro provides an excellent subsoil. The result is a mineral-driven, fresh-in-the-mouth Pinot Bianco, the crisp, balanced acidity of which combine for an approachable and food-friendly wine that pairs well with the often sharp flavors of the local cuisine (such as the smoky flavors of speck, the Alpine prosciutto).

Unlike the over-oaked, concentrated, high-alcohol-content Pinot Noir often grown in the United States, Castel Sallegg uses only judicious small and large cask aging to create a Pinot Nero offering beautiful fruit flavors, bright acidity and a clean finish.This aging process takes place within the ancient cellars of the estate, found beneath the walls of the Castel Sallegg. The castle's extensive subterranean cellars extend three floors underground, providing the consistent temperatures necessary for a slow aging in oak barrels.

The Castel Sallegg, in addition to its winemaking reputation, boasts a history steeped in nobility. In 1851 the castle itself and its surrounding vineyard was bought by Archduke Rainer of Austria, Viceroy of Lombardy-Veneto. It was later inherited by the Counts von Kuenburg through Prince Henry of Campofranco. A keen sense of custodian responsibility and continuity are deeply rooted in the Count von Kuenburg's family, and today Count Georg von Kuenburg oversees the production of each wine, ensuring quality and tradition are forever maintained.