In the glass
Aroma: wild strawberry, violet, almond, fresh herbs
Palate: red cherry, soft tannin, fresh acidity, elegant lift
Cantina Kurtatsch's old-vine Schiava (Vernatsch) from Sonntaler vineyards, produced through reduced yields and strict quality standards as part of the cellar's Selection range. Among Alto Adige's most serious Vernatsch bottlings, demonstrating the variety's quality potential.
What it pairs with
-
Speck and rye bread plate
Schiava is the classical Tyrolean Brettljause pairing; freshness cuts through cured pork fat. -
Schluetzkrapfen with sage butter
Tyrolean ravioli pairs naturally with Vernatsch; red cherry register echoes the brown butter. -
Roast chicken with herbs
Light-bodied red for white meat; soft tannin and herb notes match roasted bird.
History
Cantina Kurtatsch's Sonntaler Vernatsch Alte Reben emerged in the early 2000s during Vernatsch's renaissance, as the cellar's commitment to old-vine Schiava with reduced yields and strict quality protocols. The Sonntaler vineyards on the cooperative's south-facing slopes give the wine its character.
- 2000 — First Sonntaler Vernatsch Alte Reben vintage
Facts
- Producer
- Cantina Kurtatsch
- Grapes
- Schiava (100%)
- Classification
- DOC Alto Adige Vernatsch
- Oak
- Six to eight months in large oak with lees contact
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- EUR 18 to 28 at retail
- Drinking window
- 2 to 10 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2000
Frequently asked about Sonntaler Vernatsch Alte Reben
What does Sonntaler Vernatsch taste like?
Wild strawberry, violet, almond and fresh herbs on the nose; red cherry, soft tannin, fresh acidity and an elegant lift on the palate. Light-bodied with low tannin.
When should I drink Sonntaler?
Drink between 2 and 10 years from vintage. Vernatsch is at its best with vibrant red fruit; serve slightly chilled (12-14C) like a Beaujolais.
What food pairs with Sonntaler Vernatsch?
Speck and rye bread, Schluetzkrapfen with sage butter, or roast chicken with herbs. Light-bodied alpine red for Tyrolean charcuterie and lighter dishes.
Why are old vines important for Vernatsch?
Vernatsch (Schiava) is a high-yielding variety; old vines (Alte Reben) with reduced yields give the concentration and depth that the wine otherwise lacks. Sonntaler is one of the few serious old-vine Schiavas in Italy.