Erste & Neue

In 1900, when the first wine-growing families joined together to set about producing their wines in the newly built cellar, the "Erste Kellereigenossenschaft Kaltern" (first co-operative winery) was founded. The growing success was reflected in the considerable increase in the number of members, and in as early as 1925, a second "new" winery was put into operation. As a result of these two wineries merging and the admission of Baron Josef di Pauli's co-operative winery in 1961, the "Erste & Neue Kellereigenossenschaft Kaltern" was born. Today, 550 committed wine-makers take their year's grape-harvest to the Kaltern cellars. Quality begins in the vineyards. The vines are situated in a most picturesque setting in the area around the lake Kalterer See. The total area of cultivation amounts to 315 hectares and is distributed over 17 different and illustrious single vineyards. Each wine-maker is fully informed about the distinctive compositions of his soils and the climatic peculiarities of the terroirs (soil structures) and knows the best sites for the cultivation of each grape variety. Cru and top quality vineyards have emerged which maintain the technique of storing and aging the harvest separately in order to produce superior quality wines that continually draw the attention of South Tyrolean and international wine connoisseurs alike. The more manual labour on the vine terraces, the more substantial the wine. Nowadays, the importance of human contribution in vineyards and cellars to assure the high quality of the wines is undisputed. In fact, manual labour in South Tyrol is a matter of tradition. Neither in the cultivation of the grapes nor in harvesting can machines replace the human being and the vineyard needs a great deal of attention throughout the year. Natural cultivation methods, manual pruning of grape vines in winter, tying up of the shoots onto the pergolas in spring, tireless removal of foliage during the summer, ploughing and mulching of the soil. These activities are followed by the hand harvest in autumn. Strict selection of grapes and gentle transport to the winery. This individual way of cultivation and harvesting sets the standards for the cellar master when storing and ageing the wine. The grape's power in the palm of the cellar master's hand. Thanks to the experience of several generations and the great keenness of the descendants to conduct experiments, today the "Erste & Neue" skilfully turns 13 excellent grape varieties into well-known and reputable wines. Up to 40,000 hectolitres of South Tyrolean quality wines named "Kalterer" or "Sudtiroler", are stored in our picturesque cellar. Among them you will find wines characteristic of the South Tyrol, such as Traminer Aromatico, Lagrein and of course Schiava, as well as great international wine sorts including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet and Merlot. Each wine an original and a discovery. Our work in the cellar is aimed at highlighting the wine's character and preserving the specific fineness of the wines. This attention to detail produces dry, harmonious wines of outstanding taste, which are sure to tickle your taste-buds. You can choose from three quality lines with distinctive white wines, characteristic reds and rare fine-sweet dessert wines ... A pleasure to drink every day, on special occasions, at festivities and with menus of multiple courses.

Northern Italy, Italy

Via delle Cantine 5 - 10,

+39 0471 96 31 22