Ebeneich

Vineyard and terroir

Ebeneich grows high above Merano in steep, stony terraces at 630–730 m. The south-facing vineyard receives sunlight from morning until evening, while cool downdraughts arrive at night. Its sparse soils lie over granite rock.

Grapes

Blend proportions vary by vintage. Latest published vintage (2024): 68% Souvignier Gris and 32% Bronner.

Vinification

The whole clusters were pressed exceptionally gently, producing a juice yield of only 55%. Fermentation took place in wooden barrels with indigenous yeasts.

Ageing

The wine matured for 10 months in wooden barrels on the fine lees, refining its aroma and flavor.

Technical data

The 2024 wine has 13% alcohol, 5.6 g/l acidity after malolactic fermentation, and 1.3 g/l residual sugar. The vineyard yield was 27 hl/ha, and 2,949 bottles were produced. The wine is biodynamic, Respekt-BIODYN certified, and vegan.

Tasting profile

Bright, lively golden yellow. Quince and mirabelle plum lead the fruit profile, accompanied by a wet-stone mineral note. The palate begins full-bodied and complex, then turns taut, finishing with saline minerality.

Serving and pairing

Serve cool but not chilled, at 8–10 °C. Pair with fine fish dishes, shellfish and crustaceans, vegetarian preparations—particularly asparagus—or aromatic cheeses. The optimal drinking window runs from early summer 2026 through the end of 2031.

Vintage notes

The exceptionally wet months of May, June, and July 2024 caused severe downy- and powdery-mildew pressure, even among the generally resistant PIWI varieties. Hot weather from mid-July through late August was followed by fine autumn conditions through the end of September. Late frost greatly reduced the crop, although the remaining grapes were expressive, aromatically clear, and marked by crisp acidity. Harvest took place at the end of September.