Vineyard and terroir

A rigorous selection is made among steep, old-vine plots on both sides of the Alto Adige valley. Cooler vineyards at 600 m receive gentle afternoon sunshine and contribute elegance and freshness; milder, southeast-facing plots at 450 m provide depth and structure. Some of the old vines are trained on traditional pergolas. Production is limited to approximately 12,000 bottles.

Grapes

100% Pinot Nero. The wine debuted with the 2002 vintage.

Vinification

The grapes are harvested entirely by hand. Traditional fermentation takes place partly in large Slovenian oak vats and partly in stainless-steel tanks; the main description gives a duration of 10 days. Malolactic fermentation follows. Since 2015, the fruit has been handled in a gravity-fed cellar using a sensitive destemmer and a rail-mounted cuvon container designed for gentle transport.

Ageing

The 2023 technical sheet gives 10 months in French oak barrels. The main product page gives 12 months.

Technical data

2023: 13.50% alcohol, 5.9 g/L total acidity and 0.5 g/L residual sugar. Available in 0.75 L and 1.5 L bottles. Estimated ageing potential is 8–15 years.

Tasting profile

Full ruby red. The concentrated, complex bouquet combines heart cherry and redcurrant with pepper and refined roasted nuances. The palate joins power and elegance, with gripping tannins, a fine-boned structure, subtle spice and poised freshness. The finish is long, and the wine has substantial ageing potential.

Serving and pairing

Serve at 16–18 °C with first courses or light main courses.

Vintage notes

The 2023 growing season alternated warm and cool periods with rainfall. Midsummer conditions in June and July were followed by heavy rain at the beginning of August, then sustained sunshine promoted a long ripening period. Harvest began in early September under ideal conditions before weather became less stable toward the end. Warm days and cool nights produced clear fruit, balanced acidity and good structure.

Label / history

Created in 2002, Ludwig has repeatedly won the Italian Pinot Noir competition: the 2010, 2017, 2021 and 2022 vintages received the competition’s highest recognition in 2013, 2020, 2024 and 2025 respectively.