Structure

Bodylight
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishmedium
Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Best 1 to 6 years from vintage.
vintage1 yrs6 yrs8 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Light-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryMedium finish

Aroma: wild strawberry, violet, almond blossom, fresh herbs

Palate: red cherry, soft tannins, fresh acidity, saline lift

Cantina Kaltern's flagship Quintessenz-line Kalterersee Classico Superiore from the lake's western shore. Light-bodied, fragrant and saline; positioned as the contemporary Kalterersee selection from the cellar.

What it pairs with

  • Speck and rye bread plate
    Schiava is the classical Tyrolean Brettljause pairing; the wine's freshness slices through cured pork fat.
  • Schluetzkrapfen with brown butter
    Tyrolean ravioli pairs naturally with Schiava; the wine's red cherry register echoes the brown butter.
  • Chicken liver pate
    Schiava's soft tannin and bright fruit balance pate's richness without overwhelming the delicacy.

History

Cantina Kaltern launched the Quintessenz selection line in the mid-2010s as the cooperative's response to Schiava's renaissance and the broader rediscovery of fragrant alpine reds. The Kalterersee Classico Superiore is the line's signature wine.

  1. 2014: Quintessenz line launched at Cantina Kaltern

Facts

Producer
Cantina Kaltern · visiting guide
Grapes
Schiava (100%)
Classification
DOC Alto Adige Lago di Caldaro Classico Superiore
Oak
Approximately six months in large oak and stainless steel on the lees
ABV
12.5%
Price
EUR 18 to 28 at retail
Drinking window
1 to 6 from vintage
First vintage
2014

Frequently asked about Quintessenz Kalterersee Classico Superiore

What does Quintessenz Kalterersee taste like?

Wild strawberry, violet, almond blossom and fresh herbs on the nose; red cherry, soft tannins, fresh acidity and a saline lift on the palate. Light-bodied with low tannin.

When should I drink Quintessenz Kalterersee?

Drink within 1 to 6 years of vintage. Schiava is at its best while the fragrant red fruit is vibrant; serve slightly chilled (12-14C) like a Beaujolais.

What food pairs with Quintessenz?

Speck and rye bread, Schluetzkrapfen with brown butter, or chicken liver pate. The wine's freshness suits Tyrolean charcuterie and lighter pastas.

What grapes are in Quintessenz Kalterersee?

100 percent Schiava (Vernatsch) from vineyards on the western shore of Lake Caldaro. The Classico Superiore designation requires minimum 11.5 percent alcohol and stricter vineyard sourcing.

Tags

dry high acid light body low tannin medium term mood easygoing mood refreshing mood rustic occasion dinner party occasion picnic occasion summer occasion weeknight old world pairs with charcuterie pairs with pasta cream pairs with pork pairs with poultry pairs with soft cheese price trade up schiava still red

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