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 Producer:
Hofstätter
Region: Alto
Adige
DOC(G):
Alto
Adige/Südtirol Pinot Noir
About the Producer:
Ancient winemaking
tradition, privileged positioning and microclimates, an infusion
of Roman, German, and Austrian heritage: Alto Adige is Italy's
best kept secret. In the Northernmost province of Italy lies the
cultural crossroads of Trentino-Alto Adige. It is here in this
mountainous zone, squeezed between the borders of Austria and Switzerland,
that one of Europe’s oldest wine growing sites resides (predating
15 BC). This land has passed from the Romans to the Austro-Hungarian
Empire and back to the Italians, absorbing a potpourri of tradition
and technique in its viticulture along the way. The people of Alto
Adige carry on a unique mélange of cultures; though clearly
imbued with Italian ways, they still speak German, and German names
and quality classifications are very important to the region’s
wine producers.
Sir Ludwig Barth von Barthenau was a scientist who loved Alto Adige
and dedicated himself to bringing out the best in its land. He
bought the estate that later took his name and daringly planted
Pinot Noir there, the first introduction of that grape to the region.
When Barthenau passed away in 1891 Josef Hofstätter bought
the land and left his life as a blacksmith to tend the earth and
craft wine that would be served at his wife’s inn. His high
quality wines impressed guests, who spread the word and quickly
brought him renown throughout the region.
Upon inheriting the estate, Josef’s nephew maintained the
established standard of quality and furthered the estate’s
reputation by marketing wines under vineyard names rather than
anonymously, an approach new to Alto Adige. The union of his daughter
with Paolo Foradori, of another respected local winemaking family,
joined the Hofstätter vineyards with more select sites across
the river Adige, and together the two continued the tradition of
vigilant cultivation and meticulous winemaking. The vineyards and
cellar are now under Martin Foradori, of the fourth generation
of the family, who stresses the importance of the bond between
man and nature and focuses on bringing the best innovations into
harmony with the province's traditions.
For more on the wines of Trentino-Alto
Adige, read about Colterenzio and Foradori.
Featured Wine(s):
Hofstätter
Pinot Noir Barthenau
Hofstätter Lagrein
To purchase these wines, call our Portfolio
Managers at 212.473.2323.
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