One of the finest co-operatives in Alto Adige, Italy, the St. Michael-Eppan Winery is named after the village in which it is located. Founded in 1909, the co-operative has more than 350 members, all of whom share a commitment to ecological balance in their vineyards. In 2000, Gambero Rosso named St. Michael-Eppan as the best Italian winery of the year and its long-time winemaker Hans Terzer as one of the ten best winemakers in the world. Most of the fruit is sourced from vineyards located in the southern Tyrol: Appiano, Caldaro and Mazzon at elevations of 984- 1,640 feet. St. Michael-Eppan produces three distinct lines: the Classic Line – archetypes of their varietals and appellations with outstanding price to quality ratio; the Cru Line – unique terroir based wines from extraordinary single vineyard sites and Sanct Valentin – top tier wines from rigorously selected grapes.

Tasting notes

A medium-bodied, balanced white that offers pronounced aromas of ripe fruits and rich flavors of apples, cream and spice with slight undertones of vanilla.

Rating

Wine Spectator 91 points (Jan 23 2013) A smoky base note mixes with well-cut acidity and flavors of creamed apple, butterscotch, lemon preserves, toasted almond, pickled ginger and graphite in this rich, mouthwatering white. Harmonious, displaying a lightly floral finish. Drink now through 2020.—A.N.

Technical notes

Chardonnay planted on chalky and loamy soils was fermented in small French barriques (33% new) and transferred to stainless steel tanks for six months.