Colterenzio Sauvignon Blanc “Lafóa”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Lafóa is a byword for the beginning of the Alto Adige quality initiative and the pioneering work of the Cantina Colterenzio in the 1980s. At the time, the wine pioneer Luis Raifer not only planted new grape varieties on his vineyard named Lafóa, but at the same time introduced new quality standards: less yield for better grapes and better wines.
- It was exactly on this pilot vineyard that the “Lafóa idea” was born: the introduction of new quality standards that are still followed today with the winegrowers and staff of Cantina Colterenzio.
Varietal Composition: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Elaboration: The fully ripe grapes are crushed, briefly left to soak and pressed. The juice is left to decant naturally. Half of the total quality is fermented in stainless steel tanks, the other half in standard oak-casks and barriques. Only the part vinified in oak is allowed to undergo malolactic fermentation. The final blend is made after the wine has aged for 8 months on its fine lees. Light filtering and bottling follows.
Tasting Notes: A clean, concentrated floral nose reminiscent of elder and acacia flower with hint of sage; fresh and distinctive on palate with nicely rounded fruit, light oak spice and a crisp finish.
PRESS
2022 – 91 Vinous
2021 – 90 Vinous
2020 – 92 Wine Advocate | 94 James Suckling
2019 – 90 Wine Spectator | 93 Wine Advocate
2018 – 93 James Suckling | 93 Wine Advocate
2017 – 91 Vinous | 92+ Wine Advocate | 94 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Colterenzio is one of the newest wineries in South Tyrol, composed of over 300 families working together. This is a new-generation cooperative that smashes preconceptions, proving that a humble “coop” can consistently deliver some of the most transparent, expressive wines in the top flight region of Alto Adige.
Member-winegrowers farm their grapes on a total of 300 hectares; the vineyards are located in one of the best wine growing sub-districts of Alto Adige, on altitudes ranging from 230 to 650 meters with 12 different varieties cultivated. Ecology is a driving principle here – Farming is sustainable and the winery was built with permaculture in mind.