Erste+Neue

More than a century of alpine winemaking

Erste+Neue has processed hand-picked grapes from vineyards at different elevations for more than a century. Its approach combines an established winegrowing tradition with a continuing drive to experiment and explore. The available chronology does not identify a precise foundation date, founders, ownership changes, building projects, or successive generations.

Erste+Neue works in the mountainous landscape of Alto Adige, where vineyards occupy steep slopes and terraces. Elevations reach 860 metres above sea level. The Puntay sites lie around Lake Caldaro and on the surrounding higher hills.

The alpine setting, rugged rock faces, high peaks, steep terrain and distinctive mountain microclimate are central to the character sought in the wines. Corno Bianco, whose pale dolomite rock is a prominent feature of the landscape, inspired White Peak. Nearby Corno Nero inspired Black Peak and serves as a symbol of Erste+Neue’s origin and identity.

Ten traditional Alto Adige grape varieties are cultivated on steep, terraced sites reaching 860 metres above sea level. Vineyard work involves a high proportion of manual labour, and grapes are harvested and selected by hand.

The Puntay vineyards are cultivated carefully and precisely, with an emphasis on sustainability and respect for nature. Farming for this range is largely organic: all Puntay wines apart from Pinot Nero and Lagrein are certified organic.

Only selected hand-picked grapes are used for the quality wines. Cellar work for the Puntay range follows a gentle, nature-oriented approach intended to preserve the fruit’s individual character. The process is guided by patience, time and sensory judgement rather than haste.

Across the portfolio, Erste+Neue seeks fresh, balanced alpine wines with aromatic definition, elegance and clear varietal expression. No single cellar protocol is presented for the entire range.

Erste+Neue presents wine and mountains, as well as passion and challenge, as inseparable. Its identity is rooted in alpine vineyards and in the demanding work required by steep slopes, terraces and high elevations.

The production philosophy joins established winegrowing traditions with a persistent desire to experiment. For Puntay, the aim is to allow carefully selected grapes to express their individual character through gentle, nature-oriented vinification, patience and intuition. The desired results are depth, elegance, authenticity and individuality.

The Classic range emphasizes origin, varietal clarity, minerality and freshness. Its White Peak and Black Peak cuvées express a direct symbolic connection to the surrounding mountain landscape.