2024 Gump Hof Sauvignon Bianco - Mediaevum, Alto Adige

The Alto Adige - or Südtirol (South Tyrol) in German - is an Alpine region in northeast Italy, just south of Austria. It was part of Austria until the end of World War I and still very much retains its Südtirolese character in both language and culture - witness the “Südtirol DOC” on the front label of this wine. Most of us are well-acquainted with Loire Valley sauvignon blanc, including its standard-bearer Sancerre, as well as with the New Zealand and California versions. But sauvignon blanc is a versatile variety that adapts well to many different terroirs… and altitudes. Some of the most thrilling versions come from northeast Italy, where it’s called simply “sauvignon”, and most especially from Alpine vineyards in the Alto Adige / Südtirol.

Markus Prackweiser’s family has owned and worked their vineyards for 200 years. Markus took over from his father in 2000 and has transformed the estate into one of the top producers in Südtirol. His Sauvignon 'Mediaevum' is from steep Alpine vineyards at 400-500 meters altitude. Fermentation and aging for seven months both were in stainless steel tanks. The wine is intensely redolent sauvignon blanc - spicy, powerful, and driving, yet with Alpine lift and glacial minerality. Drink it with asparagus (maybe risotto or quiche) or full-flavored fish dishes, such as trout or branzino with herbs.