Italy
Franz Haas
Montagna
Winemaker: Franz Haas
The Alto Adige region, known as the sud-Tirol when it belonged to neighbouring Austria, provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for grape growing. The valley is split by the Adige river and vineyards are planted on either side of the steep mountains, up to 1000 metres. Franz Haas is the third generation first-born son named Franz to run this family estate, established in 1880. The vines here reflect the challenging extremes of viticulture. Freezing winters, hot summers moderated by cool breezes from Lago di Garda and the surrounding mountains, and significant differences between day and night temperatures provide pristine fruit.
The wines are characterised by crisp fruit and refreshing acidity with real personality and ageing potential. The selection features a minerally Pinot Grigio, a delicate and refreshing Pinot Bianco and a complex Traminer with notes of rose, spice and lychee with refreshing acidity. Manna is Franz's white blend of Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Traminer, offering rich complexity, layered fruit and texture with a long finish. Franz's Pinot Nero is one of the country's finest and features a perfumed nose of wild strawberry and raspberry and, like the whites, a crisp backbone of acidity to balance the juicy fruit. Finally, Moscato Rosa is a beautifully balanced, quirky dessert wine with notes of cherry, strawberry, clove and cinnamon. Both delicate and rich, it is perfect with a slice of the local plum cake.
What's new: this year we have shipped Franz's value for money Pinot Grigio, Kris, from selected vineyards in Alto Adige, Trentino and the Veneto.
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Wines
Kris Pinot Grigio IGT
Pinot Grigio DOC
Pinot Bianco DOC
Traminer Aromatico DOC
Manna IGT
Pinot Nero
Moscato Rosa DOC 375