Franz Gojer is an iconic Alpine producer, nestled in the mountain town of Bolzano, in the Italian province known as Alto Adige to the Italian-speaking population, or as Südtirol to those who speak German (Südtirol is the preferred term on Gojer’s labels). He tends just 6 hectares of his family vineyards passed down to him in 1982, planted on steep hillsides with regional varietals like Kerner, Schiava, Lagrein and Weissburgunder. Another 2 hectares are leased nearby. Yields are expectedly low here, and his winery, Glögglhof, turns out less than 4,000 cases of wine per year. 

Gojer’s wines exemplify what makes the Alpine terroir so extraordinary, and this is a merit that can only be achieved through humility. It may be the fact that they are not flashy, nor cosmopolitan, nor laden with credentials, naked and free of DOC-gifted neckties, that makes the Franz Gojer wines such outstanding ambassadors of this region. What they are is exceptionally pure, nuanced, and food-friendly.

The Karneid vineyard's steep slope and high elevation help to bring out the best in the Weissburgunder, also known as Pinot Blanc.  Fermentation takes place at a controlled low temperature in stainless steel tanks to promote crisp acidity.  Weissburgunder is excellent at showcasing minerality from its soils, so this wine exhibits less fruit and more volcanic depth on both the nose and palate. Dry and neutral but crisp as a mountain breeze, there is some excellent length on the finish. A great pairing for Alpine cheeses. 

Grape: Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc)

Soil: Volcanic Porphyry

Viticulture: Sustainable 

Pairings: Alpine cheeses like Gruyere or Brigantaccio, Bruschetta, Heirloom Tomato Salad