The Red Masters: 6 Top Wineries, 3 Grape Varieties, 1 Shared Passion

On November 11th, we hosted the first edition of The Red Masters at our winery in celebration of our 125th anniversary—a new format that places Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon center stage, while highlighting our cooperative’s deep and long-standing connection to these grape varieties. With The Red Masters, we’ve succeeded in presenting this tradition in a modern and high-quality setting.

A Gathering of International Top Wineries

For the premiere edition, we welcomed four internationally renowned wineries to Kurtatsch: Le Macchiole, Petrolo, Tua Rita, and Tenuta Guado al Tasso – Marchesi Antinori. The group was completed by Bastian Winkler, who presented an exclusive Bordeaux selection. Together with numerous guests from gastronomy, sommellerie, and wine retail, a vibrant and lively atmosphere emerged, with a clear focus on the different origins and stylistic expressions of these three varieties.

Walk-Around Tasting

The walk-around tasting, which took place from 2 p.m. into the early evening, offered visitors the opportunity to discover not only our range of wines, but also the top wines of the participating estates—tasted directly with the producers. A wide range of interpretations of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon were poured—each shaped by its origin, terroir, and the signature of each winery.

Six In-Depth Masterclasses

A central element of the event were the six masterclasses, all of which were fully booked—a clear sign of the great interest in these varieties and their potential in different terroirs. In our own masterclass, we presented the new vintages of our Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. In addition, we offered vertical tastings of  BRENNTAL Merlot Riserva and our icon wine TRES. A particular highlight: the first official presentation of our new SOMA XXV—our strictly limited, one-time edition celebrating 25 years of the SOMA cuvée.

The Masterclass Topics:

• La Rivoluzione Silenziosa di Bolgheri: 20 Years of Paleo Rosso (Le Macchiole)

• Galatrona Merlot: A Comparison of the Four Most Recent Vintages (Petrolo)

• A Journey Through the Vintages: Giusto di Notri & Redigaffi (Tua Rita)

• Back to the Future – A Trilogy: 30 Years of BRENNTAL Merlot | SOMA XXV | TRES (Cantina Kurtatsch)

• Bordeaux in Three Acts: Origin, Vintage, Prestige (Bastian Winkler)

• Interpretations of Guado al Tasso (Tenuta Guado al Tasso – Marchesi Antinori)

Pleasure and Solidarity: Beef Tasting for a Good Cause

The event was rounded out by a beef tasting in support of the “Bäuerlicher Notstandsfond”, a local charitable organization that provides financial support to farming families in Alto Adige who are facing hardship. All proceeds were donated—a gesture of active solidarity and a meaningful cause for us as a cooperative deeply rooted in our village and local community.

A Format with a Future

Looking back, we’re above all grateful for a successful day and many inspiring encounters. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who took part. The combination of international top wines, professional exchange, regional engagement, and the presentation of our SOMA XXV made this day a very special experience—for us and for all our guests.