St. Michael-Eppan
Pinot Grigio Fallwind – 2021
Region: Italy - Alto Adige
St. Michael-Eppan
The innovative winery situated along the Wine Route, is considered one of the best wineries in South Tyrol and Italy. St. Michael Eppan Winery, with its 355 members, 350 hectares of vineyard and 2.5 million bottles sold every year, has become renowned worldwide. The “Sanct Valentin“ label alone is enough to thrill wine lovers and connoisseurs.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Sunny vineyards near the village center of St. Michael, Alto Adige.
- Altitude: 400 – 550 meters
- Exposure: South, Southeast
- Soil: Loamy limestone gravel and moraine debris
- Vine Age: 10 – 30 years
- Vine Training System: Guyot
- Climate: Warm and sunny
- Yield: 60 hl/ha
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested the end of September with careful berry selection
- 60% fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks
- 40% fermented in used oak barrels
- Malolactic fermentation in respective containers
- Wines blended in March
Winemaker's Notes
The evening downdrafts of the Mendola Massif give the wines of the St. Michael-Eppan their character: they ensure the cool nights that give the grapes their extraordinary properties, shaping the fragrance, the unmistakable freshness and longevity of the wines. The downdraft (“FALLWIND”) is the natural element that blows over the vineyards every day, exerting a positive influence on the climate and supporting the valuable work of the winegrowers.
Pale yellow with a slight green shimmer. Aromas of ripe pear and honeydew melon. A creamy palate with beautiful balance, elegance and fine, crisp acidity.
Pair with fish and fish soups, guinea fowl breast and veal fillet.
Wine Summary
100% Pinot Grigio; alcohol: 14%; vineyards around St. Michael village between 400 – 550 meters; named for the downdrafts from the Mendola Massif; limestone gravel and moraine debris soil; hand harvested end September with careful berry selection; 60% fermented in stainless steel, 40% in used oak barrels; malolactic fermentation; wines blended in March.
Technical Information
- 100% Pinot Grigio
- Alcohol: 14%
- Total Acidity: 5.45 g/l
Reviews
92 Points
This has aromas of sliced peaches, apples, white pears, jasmine and crushed stones. Tangy lemons, too. Bright and crisp, with a lovely floral and lengthy finish. Drink now.
jamessuckling.com, August, 2022
90 Points
Here’s a new submission from St. Michael-Eppan, and a great value. The 2021 Alto Adige Pinot Grigio Fallwind is lean and fresh with an easy, rather neutral bouquet. You will recognize apple, quince, lemon and dried flower. The wine’s lean-bodied approach and its fresh acidity make this a perfect partner to fried calamari. There is some flinty ash or crushed stone on the close. It ages in stainless steel (60%) and large oak casks (40%). The name Fallwind comes from the cold air that falls down the face of the mountains at sunset. 2022 – 2025
© Wine Advocate, December, 2022
General Info
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Alto Adige |
| Appellation(s) | Alto Adige |
| Proprietors | 350 growers |
| Founded | 1907 |
| Winemaker | Hans Terzer |
| Annual Production | 40,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Sustainable, organic, biodynamic |