Le Po · XXII

Vineyard and terroir

Portugieser grows on a warm alluvial scree site in Magrè, at 230–450 m a.s.l. The sandy, gravelly soils contain limestone. This early-ripening location suits the variety's light, acid-driven character. The vineyard is cultivated biodynamically and is Demeter certified.

Grapes

Portugieser.

Vinification

Harvest took place on 19 August 2022. The must fermented on the skins for four days and then continued primary fermentation after pressing.

Ageing

The wine matured for 26 months in tonneaux and was bottled on 28 January 2025.

Technical data

Alcohol: 10.5% vol. Acidity: 4.8 g/L. Production was limited to 611 bottles.

Tasting profile

The variety is characterized here by lightness and pronounced acidity.

Vintage notes

The site was intended for Cabernet, but Portugieser was planted there after planting material destined for another plot was mistakenly supplied. Early color change and unexpectedly advanced ripeness prompted DNA analysis, which established the variety's identity.

Label / history

Portugieser has a historical presence in Valle Isarco, including old mixed vineyards and grafted vines sold in the late nineteenth century, sometimes intentionally and sometimes mixed with other varieties. It has now almost disappeared from the region. LE PO · XXII turns the accidental planting into a COMETS experiment, marked by the series' individually painted comet-tail label.