FRANZ HAAS Pinot Nero `Cru` Schweizer 2007 The Haas family has been growing grapes in Montagna in the province of Bolzano in the Alto Adige for generations. It is only with Franz, however, the current proprietor, that they have begun to produce and bottle quality wines. Franz studied at Geisenheim in Germany before working as a broker of Italian wines into the German market. After several years, he took over the running of the family business. Franz Haas goes to tremendous lengths to grow good grapes, and then strives to preserve the flavours of the fruit during winemaking. As a result, the wines that he produces are infused with great character, and show a rare purity and balance on the palate. The climate here is Mediterranean rather than continental. The summers are very hot and the winters quite cold, as the weather is not moderated by any nearby water. In the summer, Bolzano is one of the hottest cities in Italy, despite being only 70km from the Austrian border, as the heat is trapped in the mountainous valley. The production area includes the Mazzon, Pinzano and Gleno slopes. The vineyards face south and south-west, at heights from 350 to 700 metres above sea level. The Mazzon soil has a high clay and limestone content, while the soil in the other areas is more clayey with a high content of porphyric sand. Yields are below 35 hl/ha. Vinification took place in open top fermenters with a long maceration and constant punching down of the cap. After racking, the wine was transferred to barriques, where malolactic fermentation took place, and where it remained for 12-15 months. Once bottled in June, it was further aged for 5-10 months before release to the market. Light, ruby red in colour with an open, perfumed nose, encompassing perfumes of ripe, spiced strawberries and a touch of raspberry. On the palate, the juicy, summer fruit character is tempered by a layer of spicy oak, good concentration, supple tannins and lovely length. Vintage 2007 Grape varieties 100% Pinot Nero Region Montagna Winemaker Franz Haas Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 13.5% Acidity 5.7g/l Residual Sugar 2g/l Bottle Sizes 75cl, 150cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £33.05 (Including VAT at 20%)