2022 Girlan Platt & Riegl Pinot Bianco, Alto Adige

Last stocks. This pristine Pinot Bianco is drawn from some of Girlan’s highest and most esteemed vineyards in Cornaiano and Eppan Berg at nosebleed altitudes of 600 metres above sea level in the gravelly, mineral-rich soils of the Appiano Monte.

Here, in the lee of snow-capped Mount Mendola, the sun-drenched, rocky soils and the elevation make a considerable contribution to the style of the wine, as do the old vines, hand-harvesting, partial malolactic conversion and partial vinification in large oak (50% in 5,000L cask). These influences result in a more satin-textured, mineral wine than you typically expect from this variety. In the last four out of five years, Platt & Riegl has distinguished itself with 2 Bicchieri in the Gambero Rosso guide. A more succulent, textured wine than the previous vintage, this is a chip of the old rock.