Franz Haas, `Schweizer` Manna

The climate here is more continental than Mediterranean with very hot summers and quite cold winters, as the weather is not moderated by any nearby water. In the summer, Bolzano is one of the hottest cities in Italy, despite being only 70 kilometres from the Austrian border, as the heat is trapped in the mountainous valley. The fruit is sourced from five vineyards located in the municipalities of Montagna, Egna, Aldino and Bressanone at altitudes ranging between 350 - 800 metres above sea level. The soils are quite different from one another in their composition and are a mixture of dolomitic, porphyric, sandy and marly, with south-westerly exposures. The grape varieties are harvested separately as they ripen at different times.

The 2024 vintage in South Tyrol demanded meticulous vineyard work and constant monitoring throughout the growing season. A very wet spring and subsequent heavy rainfall challenged flowering, followed by intense heat in July and August that required careful canopy management to protect the fruit. The start of harvest was marked by an extended period of rain, adding further complexity to the season. Despite these difficulties, the results exceeded initial expectations, delivering fruit of encouraging quality and confirming the value of precise, hands-on vineyard management.

The grapes were harvested and vinified separately to accommodate their differing ripening periods. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc were fermented in barrique, while Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Kerner fermented in stainless steel tanks. Following fermentation, the young wines were assembled to balance their aromatic profiles. After approximately 10 months of ageing, the wine was bottled and refined for a further few months prior to release.