About this wine

Vineyard and terroir

Rachtl is a 0.4 ha single vineyard at Aica di Sotto, Fiè allo Sciliar. The southeast-facing parcel lies at 590–630 m in the 2015 technical sheet and is planted to Guyot-trained vines from 1996 onward at 8,000 vines/ha. Moderately silty sandy topsoil has high salt levels and little humus. Grey porphyry is a defining feature, while deeper horizons contain sandy limestone rock flour. This geology gives the wine flinty aromas, saline minerality and clean acidity.

Grapes

100% Sauvignon Blanc.

Vinification

The grapes are harvested at full maturity while retaining notably high acidity. After 8–12 hours of skin contact, they are gently pressed. Half of the must undergoes alcoholic fermentation in tonneaux and half in large wooden barrels.

Ageing

The young wine remains in wood for almost one year, gaining suppleness and structure. Malolactic fermentation is prevented to preserve minerality. After assemblage, it spends six months in stainless steel for natural clarification and a further 12 months in bottle. The Ad Tempus collection presents mature releases held in the cellar under controlled conditions and deliberately issued after years of bottle development.

Technical data

2015: 14% vol alcohol, 6.5 g/l acidity and 1 g/l residual sugar. The technical sheet records 40 hl/ha and a production of 2,200 bottles. Ageing potential is at least ten years.

Tasting profile

After nearly a decade, the Sauvignon Blanc displays substantial depth and complexity. Initially youthful, fresh aromas have evolved toward ripe fruit and mineral nuances. Age has softened and integrated the acidity, while the long finish combines smoky minerality with mature refinement.