Ignaz Niedrist is a well-respected figure in the alpine Italian region of Alto Adige (AKA Südtirol for German speakers). Producing a classic wine from the native grape Schiava (AKA Vernatsch) is the trademark of any good winemaker here. Ignaz includes a small amount of Teroldego and Lagrein in the blend, which is also common here.

The name 'Kalterersee' comes from the vineyard location overlooking Lake Caldaro ('Kalter' is the Germanic spelling, and 'see' means lake). Soils here conist of gravelly loam topsoil with plenty of Dolomite limestone, lending excellent minerality to this light red. The vines are all pergola trained on south-east facing slopes, and are over 80 years in age. After an early-ish harvest in late September, the grapes are fermented in large old wooden vats. The wine completes malolactic fermentation and is aged in large wooden barrels until bottling at the beginning of next summer. 

The wine is fresh and pure, with subtle rose and dry cherry notes on the nose. A great match for charcuterie or north Italian pastas like Gricia. Approachable yet deep, with a balance of fruit and minerality; Niedrist's flagship red is exceptionally drinkable, escpeially with a slight chill or at cellar temp. 

Grape: 95% Schiava, 5% Teroldego/Lagrein

Soil: Gravelly loam with Dolomite

Viticulture: Organic, Biodynamic practices

Pairing: Gricia pasta, Alpine cheeses