Girlan Gschleier Vernatsch

Gschleier Vernatsch is made from grapes of the Schiava (Vernatsch) variety, sourced from the vineyard it's named after, an estate lying 450 metres above sea level and facing south, situated on a hill originally a glacial formation in northwest Cornaiano. It's undoubtedly a unique wine, only needing to be uncorked for this to be recognised.

Gschleier Vernatsch isn't comparable with other wines made from the Schiava grape that can be found in the Alto Adige, generally light-bodied fruity wines with little aroma complexity. What's so special about the grapes of this wine? Basically, their quality. The vines at the Gschleier vineyard range in age between 80 and 100 years old and their yields are extremely low, the few clusters which are actually harvested encompass all the wisdom that only old vines are capable of offering us.

A garnet-red colour, on the nose it exhibits complex aromas of red fruit — mainly strawberries, and ripe cherries — yeast, spices and light floral (violets) and vegetal notes, all on an elegant smoky background. Outstanding on the palate are its juicy fruit, its freshness and flavour, the velvety texture of its tannins, its balance... and the perilously easy drink it provides!