(PRESULE – BOLZANO) Markus Prackwieser, owner of the Gump Hof estate located at the foot of the Sciliar massif, enjoys an excellent range of wines such as Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Praesulis and Pinot Noir.
Markus Prackwieser Gumphof’s History and Philosophy
For many years the valley of the Isarco river was considered a sort of minor sub-zone of the larger Alto Adige appellation, a place where grapes were grown and wine made, but certainly not one of central importance compared to the rest of the province of Bolzano. A source, substantially, of wines of a quite particular character, often not mainstream. Unlike Bolzano, which sits in a bowl and is well protected from winds which blow down from the Alps, and unlike the more southerly, more Mediterranean part of the province of Bolzano, this is fundamentally a white wine area. Red grapes, except for the early-maturing Pinot Noir are virtually impossible to ripen.
Over the past decade, however, the area has attracted a new attention and respect as weight and volume have become less interesting to a series of connoisseurs, and the bracing acidity, the sheer vigor, savor, and vibrancy of well made Isarco wines, have come to be considered major virtues. And among the leading producers must certainly be numbered Markus Prackwieser and his Gump Hof estate.
The wines of Markus Prackwieser Gumphof
Growing grapes and making wines in the conditions under which Prackwieser must work is anything but simple. The vineyards are located at the foot of the Sciliar massif, and the cold winds which are channeled from the northeast by the walls of the valley create a very cool climate indeed. The growing season is necessarily quite long, and much patience – and courage – are needed before the proper moment, often in October, arrives for beginning to pick. The steepness of the slopes, often from 50% to 70%, makes hand work in the vineyards virtually obligatory. But there are advantages as well: the coolness creates important temperature swings from daytime to nighttime, always positive for aroma and freshness, and the steepness of the vineyards, along with the excellent exposures, is of great advantage for the ripening.
In the last analysis, however, it is the wines themselves which demonstrate that the proper conditions exist, and the excellence of range can only dispel any possible doubts. In particular: the Pinot Bianco, Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Praesulis selections, not to speak of the superb Pinot Noir, an explosion of fruit, varietal aromas and flavors, silky texture, and length.
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Info & Contacts Markus Prackwieser Gumphof
Address: Strada di Fiè 11 Novale di, 39050 Presule BZ
Tel: +39 0471 601190
Website: www.gumphof.it
e-mail: info@gumphof.it
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