From Brenntal to Frauenrigl: The Evolution of Gewürztraminer Riserva

As already mentioned in one of our previous blog posts, we have revised our wine portfolio and renamed some of our wines as part of the introduction of the Alto Adige concept of UGA classification. The aim is to make the distinction between the wines from a geographical unit and wines with a brand name even clearer and more immediately recognisable. Another change is the repositioning of our Gewürztraminer from the Brenntal UGA to the Frauenrigl UGA, accompanied by a corresponding name change.

The new FRAUENRIGL Gewürztraminer Riserva is expected to be available from December 2026, marking another tangible step in the continuous evolution of our winery. First produced in the early 2000s, the BRENNTAL Gewürztraminer, historically one of our most representative wines, was born during a stylistic period in which intense, powerful and highly concentrated wines were sought after. Over time, however, climate change and rising temperatures, combined with the pursuit of a precise match between grape variety and UGA, have led us to reconsider the relationship between grape variety and vineyard site. The Brenntal UGA, a warm and steep area located below the Alto Adige Wine Road, no longer represents the most suitable environment to express the style we seek for this variety. Hence the decision to move to the Frauenrigl UGA, around 150 metres higher, where the soil and climatic conditions — while maintaining clay-rich soils and steep slopes — allow for a fresher, more balanced and more coherent profile.

“Our work always begins with observing the territory,” explains our winemaker Erwin Carli. “Every grape variety performs at its best only when grown in the right place. Today, also in light of climate change, this means questioning certain choices made in the past and continuously striving to interpret as faithfully as possible what the territory itself expresses.”

A decision that therefore does not represent a break with the past, but rather the natural evolution of an approach summarised by the principle “vineyard by vineyard, wine by wine”: a philosophy that has guided our development over decades and that now finds in the UGA system an even clearer and more defined expression.

P.S. Even before its release, FRAUENRIGL has already attracted attention with two awards (including the prestigious Tre Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso) and several press articles – an encouraging early sign that the new wine style is being well received. We can't wait to share it with you!