2016: “A really great vintage”“

Thanks to a “finale furioso”, what looked like being an average year ultimately turned into an outstanding one for the St. Magdalener wines. That explains the optimistic reactions of Heinrich Plattner, Chairman of the Consortium for the protection of St. Magdalener wine, and Stephan Filippi, the wine maker at Bozen Winery.

What was so special about 2016?

Plattner: The ups and downs of the weather! A tantalizing summer with a lot of rain was followed by mild and sunny weather in the decisive period just before and during the grape harvest. So the year called for outstanding care and devotion on the part of the vintners to keep the vines healthy in all that humidity. At the end of the day, we can say: All’s well that ends well!

What was the condition of the harvested grapes?

Filippi: Thanks to the wonderful autumn, the fully mature grapes for the St. Magdalener were in perfect condition, with a good balance of acidity and sugar concentrations – the prerequisites for a really great vintage. This first impression in the vineyard was subsequently confirmed in the cellar: The color is rich, the fruit clean and clear. I am convinced that the 2016 vintage will give pleasure for a very long time.

When will the St. Magdalener wines of the new vintage become available?

Filippi: Bottling starts in March, when the 2016 St. Magdalener wines are ready for drinking. As usual they will be making their debut at all the big wine trade shows in Europe, from Vinitaly in Verona to ProWein in Dusseldorf.

What are your expectations for sales in 2017?

Plattner: The vintners are just about sold out of their wines from the previous year. So with empty stores and the prospect of top quality wines, they can look forward to the new season, which we are all pretty excited and optimistic about.