Colterenzio

In 1960 near Appiano, twenty-six winegrowers from Colterenzio founded their own cooperative, thus becoming independent from the wine merchants who at the time outlined prices. This group of rebels gave the newly founded cooperative the name of their land: the small village of Schreckbichl (in Italian Colterenzio), also playing a pioneering role to pursue with great constancy a quality path. Luis Raifer joined the cooperative in 1979 as director. He brought with him a baggage laden with ambition, even following his study trip to California. It was the eighties and Alto Adige was mostly a land of reds of mediocre quality; Raifer, also a winemaker, recognized the potential of this land of its excellent wines and exploiting the favorable terroir, The adequate extension of the vine-growing area and the competence of the local winemakers took the step forward. First, in his farm "Lafòa", a sunny hill, he replaced the vines of Schiava with those of Cabernet Sauvignon and then with Sauvignon Blanc. He introduced a new quality standard, that is a lower quantity of harvest, however, compared to fine grapes, for excellent wines. The force of gravity in the phase of destemming, natural and avant-garde, is the protagonist. The new membrane presses ensure a delicate process, preserving the precious aromatic substances of the grapes. The fermentation and maturation of the wines take place, depending on the variety, in stainless steel tanks, cement or wood barrels. This mentality is transmitted to everyone, experimenting with the creation of quality groups with new varieties. At the basis of all this project there are now 300 winegrowers: members of Cantina Colterenzio. Every day the winegrowers work in their vineyards, in harmony with nature in a sustainable way thanks to the installation of solar panels and the heat recovery system. Name and address producer/distributor: Cantina Colterenzio, Strada del Vino, 8 - 39057 Cornaiano/Appiano (BZ). The products of this cellar should be stored in a cool and dry place away from heat sources.