What distinguishes a good vineyard site? We often ask ourselves this very question when it comes to choosing the right grapes for each of our wines. This was exactly the same question that our grandfather asked himself when he acquired the Löwengang estate in Magrè back in 1934. He recognized its potential even then, as Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Cabernet and Merlot grapes were all grown there, although such international varieties were hardly common in Alto Adige at the time.
The fact that Chardonnay thrives so well in Magrè is due to its particular geology: Magrè lies on a cone of dolomite debris that was formed millions of years ago. The gravel deposits were formed over thousands of years by the recurrent flooding of the Favogna river. The very calcareous nature of the soil permits Chardonnay to develop so well here.
In terms of climate, Magrè makes a wonderful playground for us as winegrowers. The sunny mornings have a strong influence on the vines, as it is in the morning that a large part of the plants’ metabolic process occurs. During the afternoons, on the other hand, the temperatures drop and fresh breezes from the Favogna Gorge provide cooling. This freshness is important in preserving the acidity and aromas of the grapes.
As in all other areas, when selecting the vineyard sites for our wines we are also constantly on the lookout for something new to ensure their further development. In view of the increasing temperatures, a few years ago we planted new LÖWENGANG Chardonnay vines in Magrè using the sélection massale: this process sees the best and most vigorous vines in a vineyard selected, propagated, grafted and planted, thus preserving the DNA of the vines.
Some of the newly planted Chardonnay vines are trained on pergolas, providing the grapes with more shade. This method might also allow us to continue with our focus on the freshness and liveliness of the LÖWENGANG Chardonnay. It is also precisely what makes the LÖWENGANG Chardonnay so special for us: on the one hand, it stands for decades of experience and tradition, but at the same time the wine also represents our endeavour to develop further and try something new.
Click here if you want to get back to the contact form and the start page of LÖWENGANG INEDITO II.
LÖWENGANG Chardonnay stands for the history of our winery and at the same time for our family’s history.
LÖWENGANG INEDITO II combines 9 vintages of Löwengang Chardonnay, which matured in barriques for different lengths of time.