and more:
• Italy's Best Pinot Noir
• NEW: Italian Producer Pages!
• Antique Corkscrews

Alto Adige's Cultural Infusion

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). Throughout history the land has changed hands from the Romans to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and back to the Italians, and it has collected a potpourri of tradition and technique in its viticulture. In fact, German is still spoken and is used for many of the wine names; and for this population, Alto Adige is known as Südtirol. The term Qualitatswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete is also often used in addition to DOC to classify quality wines.

Here in the mountain slopes and hillsides the indigenous Lagrein thrives and the noble Pinot Noir is at its best on Italian soil. The site is also fabled to be the origin of Traminer grape. It is so mountainous in these parts that only 15% of the land can be cultivated – and this miniscule number represents less than 1% of the wine produced in all of Italy. However, quantity is not the focus in these ancient vineyards – the region boasts the highest proportion of DOC wines in Italy. Much of the exported wine goes to Austria to cater to their need for quality red wine and the little that does make it to the States is scooped up quickly.

With elite producers like Colterenzio, Hofstätter, Foradori, and Peter Dipoli the region has developed a cult following. Today we are featuring the prized wines of the Colterenzio as well as a select Pinot Noir from Hofstätter. If you are interested in learning more about these wines or would like to make a purchase, please contact our Portfolio Managers at 212.473.2323.

Click for IWM's NEW Producer Pages!

Colterenzio's Commitment to Quality

In the hamlet of Schreckbichl, south of the city of Bolzano, is a wine growing area called Uberetsch, which has a rich tradition and history in viticulture. In 1960 a committed group consisting of 28 winegrowers and estates pooled their resources to establish the Schreckbichl (Colterenzio) Winegrowers Cooperative. By sharing grapes from 320+ hectares of choice vineyards as well as production costs, they control quality and marketing efforts. Adhering to their motto, “United, we are strong," the consortium succeeds in producing quality wines brimming with individuality, honest varietal character, and a sense of soil. The vineyard locations enjoy the vine-friendly climate of Mediterranean warmth and Alpine freshness due to their unique position.

From these vineyards the cooperative produces three lines of wines so that the consumer may experience quality Alto Aidge wines on an everyday to collectible level; Classic - single varietals, Praedium - single estate wines, and Cornell - wines from the finest sites. Here is a selection from all three levels that have Sergio's Stamp of Approval.

Gewürztraminer Cornell 2001 $58.29 (750ml)
An exemplary Alto Adige Gewürztraminer, this wonderfully round, balanced wine is made from grapes from the sun-soaked slopes of the Girlan vineyard. Beautiful yellow-gold. Cinnamon and nutmeg fly out of the glass on wings of rose petals. Rich and spicy on the palate, a delightful dash of acidity livens a long finish.

Sauvignon Blanc Gran Cru Lafoa 2002 $57.75 (750ml)
Flowers and fresh herbs spill out of the clear golden yellow. Smooth acidity surrounds blossoms and oak on the smooth, harmonious palate and continues on an impressive finish.

Lagrein Cornell 2000 $41.36 (750ml)
The Lagrein variety, which is native to Alto Adige, gives dense, dark wines full of bittersweet fruit. This is an excellent interpretation of the grape, a deep ruby color breeding velvety blackberries, sour cherries, coffee, and violets.

Pinot Grigio Cornell 2001 $29.45 (750ml)
The Cornell Pinot Grigio undergoes a meticulous process of aging in stainless steel as well as on the lees in oak before bottling. The result is a straw yellow with green reflections presenting aromas of pear, green apple, and flowers. The oak subtly appears on the palate with more fresh fruit and vanilla. A very long finish that is strong with good acidity.

Pinot Bianco Weisshaus Praedium 2002 $23.51 (750ml)
Like the Cornell Pinot Grigio, this wine is carefully aged on the fine lees in Slovenian oak. Bright straw yellow with a green tinge releases tart green apples, pears, and fresh greenery. Impressively complex on the palate, which shows more fruit with fresh acidity leading to hints of toasty nuts on the finish.

Lagrein Grieser Classic 2001 $18.07 (750ml)
Like the Lagrein Cornell, the Grieser Classic is a prime example of this native variety. Maturation in large casks of Slovenian oak complements the naturally fresh, vibrant fruit of the Lagrein grape. Dark garnet with violet highlights unleashes a bouquet of flowers and wild dark fruit. Spices on the nose rise again on the palate with more dark blackberries and cherries supported by firm acid and velvety tannins.

Click here to order Colterenzio by fax!

Colterenzio Sampler

IWM is offering Colterenzio’s wines in both a six-pack (one of each) and a case sampler (two of each). With bottles from the Classics, Cru Praedium, Gran Cru Cornell, and also Gran Cru Lafoa, this is a great way to explore the land of Alto Adige. From the little-known indigenous variety of Lagrein to an outstanding example of Gewürztraminer, this selection documents the range of grapes that thrive in the special terroir of this region and displays the wonderful results of Colterenzio’s vigilant attention to quality.

Colterenzio 2001 Gewürztraminer Cornell $58.29
Colterenzio 2000 Lagrein Cornell $41.36
Colterenzio 2001 Pinot Grigio Cornell $29.45
Colterenzio 2002 Sauvignon Blanc Lafoa $57.75
Colterenzio 2002 Pinot Bianco Weisshaus Praedium $23.51
Colterenzio 2001 Lagrein Classic $18.07

IWM Colterenzio Six-Pack (6): $228.43*
IWM Colterenzio Case Sampler (12): $429.64*
*Free delivery to NYC residents

Click to order the Colterenzio Sampler by fax!

Italy's Best Pinot Noir

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. The Foradori family, winemakers since the time of their ancestor Josef Hofstätter, bought the estate in 1891 and 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 focuses on bringing the best innovations into harmony with the province's traditions.

Hofstätter 1999 Pinot Noir Barthenau $54.72 (750 ml)
This is a big Pinot Noir with a ruby red color that reveals its concentrated perfume. The bouquet slowly discloses black cherry, raspberry, and cocoa with hints of vanilla. Well balanced fruit and oak on the palate with elegant acidity, well-integrated tannins, and an exceptional aromatic concentration.

Click here to order Hofstätter's Pinot Noir by fax!

NEW: Italian Producer Pages!

IWM’s website is continually being upgraded, and one of our many new developments is today’s feature, “IWM Producer Pages.” The profiles of individual estates that have received the IWM ‘Stamp of Approval’ are a great way to expand your knowledge about the diverse styles of production in the world of Italian wine. Each page is cross-referenced to other producers from the same region, providing useful comparisons and contrasts that will help you appreciate the singularity of each estate and understand why their wines are so unique.

Anyone who is eager to learn more on Campania’s father estate Mastroberardino or pick up information on the Veneto’s great innovator Allegrini will find our descriptions educational and informative. Since we only carry the highest quality Italian wines, our site features the crème de la crème of Italy’s winemakers from the widely renowned to the hidden gems, revealing both the technical choices and the heart that they pour into these wines. This section will continue to grow, so check back periodically to see who has been added.

Click to explore Italy's great producers!

Antique Corkscrews

Explore the artistry of iron and steel in IWM's Antique Corkscrew Section. Since the opening of our shop, IWM has offered a rotating collection of rare corkscrews for the collector and wine enthusiast. Many of the items are painfully difficult to find, dating back a century or more. See how this little tool, which is capable of accenting the mood of opening any special vintage bottle of wine, has evolved through time and cultures.

Each corkscrew photographed and placed on our site is accompanied by short text to indicate the significance of the model. If you are interested in purchasing these antiques or have any additional questions please feel free to contact our consultant, Derrick Mize, at 212.473.2323.

Click here for IWM's collection of antique corkscrews!