Vineyard and terroir

Kristallberg comes from cool, sun-drenched vineyards at 600 m between Tramin and Kaltern. The original site is a small southwest-facing porphyry terrace; further vineyards at the same elevation were subsequently added. These high sites were selected to preserve Pinot Bianco’s fresh, vertical, complex and mineral character in a warming climate.

Grapes

100% Pinot Bianco. The wine joined the portfolio with the 2015 vintage.

Vinification

The hand-picked grapes are gently pressed, followed by static clarification through must refrigeration. Fermentation is controlled at approximately 20 °C. The 2024 technical sheet places fermentation in 25 hL medium oak casks. The main description says most of the must ferments in 25 hL large wooden casks, with a small part in French oak barriques.

Ageing

The 2024 technical sheet specifies 12 months in the same 25 hL oak casks. The main description specifies 10 months in the fermentation vessels, followed by bottle maturation.

Technical data

2024: 13.5% alcohol, 5.9 g/L total acidity and 1.4 g/L residual sugar. Available in 0.75 L bottles. Estimated ageing potential is 3–8 years.

Tasting profile

Clear, fresh straw yellow. The bouquet opens with pear and white stone fruit, then develops green walnut, smoke and mineral accents. The palate is elegant and markedly mineral, with juicy freshness, youthful energy and lively acidity.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 13–15 °C with hearty first courses, white meat, poultry or fresh cheese.

Vintage notes

The 2024 vintage was smaller in volume but excellent in quality. An unsettled, rainy spring around flowering and a cool start to summer demanded additional vineyard work. July and August were dry, warm and sunny, creating favourable ripening conditions and grapes with balanced pH, acidity and sugar.

Label / history

Kristallberg was introduced with the 2015 vintage as a high-altitude expression of Pinot Bianco, developed in response to climate change and the goal of matching each variety to its ideal terroir.