2023 Abbazia di Novacella Schiava Alto Adige

Winemaker Notes:  Located in the town of Novacella in the Isarco River Valley, Abbazia was founded in 1142 by the Augustinian Order of Canons Regular. The Augustians are not monks in the sense that you may be familiar with: they have taken vows of poverty, chastity and obedience to their superiors; but they also work to support themselves as a part of their community. To this end, the Abbey not only grows grapes for winemaking, but also farms apples and vegetables, and there is a small school devoted primarily to studies of viticulture. The abbey’s reputation as a winery is stellar and international. In 2009, Italy’s influential Gambero Rosso named Celestino Lucin, the abbey’s enologist, Winemaker of the Year.

The lineup of wines is incredible! The range includes classics like Pinot Grigio, Sylvaner, and Kerner, as well as some lesser seen varieties like Moscato Rosa. While famous for their crisp, mineral-driven whites, the estate has also received acclaim for its “formidable reds.” Their sumptuous Pinot Nero is one of the best that Italy has to offer. While the daily tasks of running a monastery, school and world-famous winery have kept Abbazia from jumping through the bureaucratic hoops involved with Italy’s organic certification, the centuries old estate is practicing organic.