2023 Abbazia di Novacella - Alto Adige DOC Kerner Praepositus (750ml)

Abbazia di Novacella has produced wine since 1142, making it one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in the world, located in the Isarco Valley near Bressanone in Alto Adige. The abbey farms 86 hectares of its own vineyards and works with dozens of additional growers throughout the valley, giving winemaker Celestino Lucin access to some of the best sites in this cool, northern corner of South Tyrol. The Praepositus line represents the estate's top selection of fruit, reserved for wines meant to showcase the fullest expression of each variety.

This Kerner comes from vineyards around Bressanone and Varna, planted on gravelly, moraine-derived soils at elevations between roughly 650 and 700 meters. The vines are farmed according to organic practices at a density of about 6,000 plants per hectare, with yields kept to around 50 hectoliters per hectare to concentrate flavor. Following harvest, the wine is fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel to preserve the grape's natural aromatics and bright acidity.

The 2023 vintage shows an expressive nose of elderflower, tropical fruit, alpine herbs, and nutmeg, carrying through to a full-bodied, savory palate with gooseberry, grapefruit, and yellow peach. Bright acidity keeps the wine balanced and energetic, with a long, saline finish.