Erste & Neue, Alto Adige Pinot Grigio 2023

• producer: Erste & Neue
• region: Alto Adige
• country: ITA
• grape variety: pinot grigio
• production notes: vegan

From the importer: Alto Adige’s striking mountainsides are known for their quality co-ops, and at Erste & Neue, three of the best have joined forces to produce equally striking wines. 1986 marked the merger of Caldaro’s first co-op—founded in 1900—and the newest one formed after Alto Adige joined Italy. They adopted the name Erste & Neue which translates to “First & New.”

Thirty years after that monumental partnership, they incorporated a third co-op, called Cantina Kaltern. Altogether, these three have brought together around 500 small-scale growers, farming approximately 280 hectares of excellent alpine terroir. These sustainably farmed, primarily south-facing vineyards occupy terraced slopes from the foothills of the Mendola range all the way to the Dolomites. Their ten local grape varieties—including Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, Lagrein, and Schiava—sit at various elevations, up to 860 meters above sea level, yielding a range of terroirs and characteristics.

A balance of orchard fruits like underripe pear and delicate, grassy florals. The finish has a fuzzy minerality.