Winery Kränzel
Via Padale 1
I-39010 Cermes
Tel. +39 0473 56 45 49
Fax +39 0473 55 48 06
The first historical mention of a vineyard in Cermes can be traced as far back as 1182, linked to a charitable donation to the Fuessen Monastery in Bavaria. Around 400 years ago, viticulture and wine were the main source of commerce in Cermes and the surrounding region. At Kränzelhof, the oldest historical records in our possession date back to 1350. The old residence, the huge ancient traditional wine press in the vaulted cellar as well as commercial documents and correspondence dating back to 1577, are further proof of a very old wine tradition. The loosely structured moranic soils which originated due to glacial activity play a key role in the quality of our wines. Our grapes are grown in relatively poor soils, but we take great care to ensure that the vineyards are not stressed, encouraging the development of an intense flavour profile. No herbicides or fertilizers are used. Yields are reduced and controlled through a series of intricate manual activities, involving leaf removal, spur pruning and bunch thinning. Various grasses, field and meadow flowers as well as insects and birds contribute to a healthy, balanced and sustainable environment in the vineyards. The end result is wines which are savoury in style, full-bodied with a lively acidity and a remarkable capacity for ageing. Our first concern is to achieve healthy and robust grapes. We strive to craft wines which are individual in character, true to the vintage, reflecting a strong sense of place and providing pleasure and enjoyment to all who drink them.
We achieve this through minimalist intervention in the cellar. We also take great care to ensure yields are controlled, drawing on gathered experiences over many previous vintages. Ultimately we rely on our own sensory evaluation to decide what goes into bottle. We recognize the positive forces to be found in great authentic wines and this drives all that we do in both the vineyards and the cellar. The estate is a member of both the Association of South Tyrol Quality Wine Estates and the Independent Wine Growers of South Tyrol.