In the glass
Aroma: grapefruit, elderflower, passion fruit, fresh herbs
Palate: citrus, creamy lees, saline minerality, long mineral finish
Cantina Kaltern's Quintessenz-line Sauvignon Blanc from Lake Caldaro vineyards. The selection-tier expression with lees-driven texture and elegant alpine fruit; the cooperative's white-wine flagship alongside the Kalterersee Classico Superiore.
What it pairs with
-
Pan-seared trout with herbs
The wine's herbal-citrus register echoes the trout; saline minerality cuts the butter. -
Asparagus risotto
Sauvignon Blanc is asparagus's classical pairing; lees-driven texture matches the risotto. -
Goat cheese tart
Citrus and elderflower flatter goat cheese; the wine's body suits pastry.
History
Cantina Kaltern launched the Quintessenz Sauvignon Blanc as part of the cellar's Quintessenz selection line in the mid-2010s, sourcing from cooperative members' best Sauvignon parcels around Lake Caldaro.
- 2014 — Quintessenz Sauvignon Blanc launched
Facts
- Producer
- Cantina Kaltern
- Grapes
- Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
- Classification
- DOC Alto Adige Sauvignon
- Oak
- Eight to ten months on the lees, partly in stainless steel and partly in large oak barrels
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- EUR 20 to 30 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3 to 12 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2014
Frequently asked about Quintessenz Sauvignon Blanc
What does Quintessenz Sauvignon taste like?
Grapefruit, elderflower, passion fruit and fresh herbs on the nose; citrus, creamy lees, saline minerality and a long mineral finish on the palate. Medium-bodied, dry, with high acidity.
When should I drink Quintessenz Sauvignon?
Drink between 3 and 12 years from vintage. Young vintages show vibrant herbal-citrus; cellared bottles develop honey and saline complexity.
What food pairs with Quintessenz Sauvignon?
Pan-seared trout, asparagus risotto, or goat cheese tart. The wine's structure and minerality suit vegetable-forward and white-fish dishes.