In the glass
Aroma: elder blossom, stinging nettle, green pepper
Palate: refreshing, lively, mineral, spicy
Greenish-bright-yellow Sauvignon from Cornaiano-Appiano and the Bressanone basin: elder blossom, stinging nettle and green pepper on the nose; refreshing and lively with mineral-rich juicy spiciness.
What it pairs with
-
Goat-cheese salad
Fresh chevre and Sauvignon's nettle-elder register meet head-on. -
Asparagus quiche
Sauvignon's green-pepper signature lifts white asparagus and egg richness. -
Sea bass with herbs
Mediterranean herbed sea bass and Sauvignon's elder bloom share a meadow palate. -
Sushi
High acidity and mineral spice carry raw fish without overwhelming.
History
Sauvignon Blanc gained prominence in the Abbazia di Novacella portfolio in the 1990s, sourced from south-facing parcels at 350-420 m and 650-750 m. The nettle-and-elder Eisacktal signature is the wine's calling card.
- 1990 — Sauvignon Blanc enters the classical-line portfolio
Facts
- Producer
- Abbazia di Novacella
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Classification
- DOC Alto Adige
- Oak
- Fermentation in stainless steel tanks
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 14-20 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-6 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
Scores
- James Suckling 91 (2024 vintage, reviewed 2025)
Frequently asked about Alto Adige Sauvignon
What does Abbazia di Novacella Sauvignon taste like?
Greenish-yellow with elder blossom, stinging nettle and green pepper aromatics. The palate is refreshing and lively with pleasant body and mineral-rich juicy spiciness.
When should I drink Abbazia di Novacella Sauvignon?
Drink between 3 and 6 years from vintage. The wine is built for primary nettle-and-elder character; aim for years two to four for peak aromatic intensity.
What food pairs with Abbazia di Novacella Sauvignon?
Goat-cheese salad, asparagus quiche, herb-roasted sea bass and sushi; the wine's high acidity makes it a versatile dinner partner.
Where is Abbazia di Novacella Sauvignon grown?
Across two altitude bands: 350-420 m and 650-750 m on moraine soils with mica schist, paragneiss and quartzite, in the Bressanone basin and Cornaiano-Appiano.