Alto Adige Schiava Trophy 2023

On 26 and 27 June 2023, the 20th Alto Adige Schiava Trophy was held at the vigilius mountain resort on the Vigiljoch in Lana. This jubilee edition of the event was received with enthusiastic interest from sector experts and connoisseurs.

The Alto Adige Schiava Trophy was founded in 2004 by Ulrich Ladurner, Othmar Kiem and Günther Hölzl, with the aim of promoting top quality Schiava (Vernatsch) wines; the unique atmosphere of the vigilius mountain resort, a designer hotel of international standing, provides the consummate stage setting for this authentic, quintessentially Alto Adige wine.

During a multi-stage selection procedure, an international jury of specialist journalists and sommeliers from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Great Britain decided on the “Schiava of the Year” from a total of 84 wines presented.

The characteristics of Schiava wines from Alto Adige vary according to their area of cultivation and, in recognition of this diversity, the wines of the “Classic” category were tasted and rated by region; Schiava wines from the 2022 vintage were grouped together in the “Selection” category, in which the vocational passion of the winegrowers and the location come to the fore; last but by no means least, the “Mature” category covered Schiava wines which exemplify the fact that Schiava is not merely a wonderful young wine, and featured wines from 2021 to 2017.

The following wines were awarded the title of “2023 Schiava of the year”:
In the “Classics” category:

• Der Keil Lago di Caldaro Classico Superiore Alto Adige DOC 2022 – Manincor

• Schickenburg Meranese Alto Adige DOC 2022 – Cantina Merano Winery

• Hexenbichler Schiava Alto Adige DOC 2022 – Cantina Tramin

• Santa Maddalena classico Alto Adige DOC 2022 – Ansitz Waldgries

In the “Selection” category:

• Arthur Lago di Caldaro Classico Superiore Rainer Alto Adige DOC 2022 – Seeperle

• Turmhof Schiava Alto Adige DOC 2022 – Tiefenbrunner Winery

In the “Mature” category:

• Gran Marie Santa Maddalena classico Alto Adige DOC 2021 – Fliederhof

• Moar Santa Maddalena classico Alto Adige DOC 2018 – Cantina Bolzano

Given that Schiava is not just a wine for the experts to enjoy, but should give instant pleasure for all, a separate jury of private wine connoisseurs chose their favourites from the winners. After an in-depth tasting session, the 2023 Schiava Trophy Public Choice award went to: Santa Maddalena classico Alto Adige DOC 2022 – Ansitz Waldgries

The event was rounded off with the “Vernatsch Gala 2023”, where head chef Daniel Sanin served up superb dishes from the kitchen of the vigilius mountain resort. “Schiava is a traditional wine that is very much in vogue again today. It has an exceptionally light, fruity appeal,” says Othmar Kiem, wine journalist and organiser of the Schiava Trophy. “Classified as a light red (light-bodied red wines), it is enjoying ever-greater popularity amongst a young public and, in particular, young sommeliers.” Schiava Trophy 2023 – a vibrant showcase for Alto Adige wines!

For more information, see: www.vernatschcup.it


Jubilee facts and figures:
The most awarded wines

•  St. Magdalener Classico – Ansitz Waldgries (14)

• St. Magdalener Classico – Cantina Bolzano (9)

• Meraner Schickenburg – Cantina Merano (9)

• St. Magdalener Classico – Pfannenstielhof ((6)

• Freisinger Vernatsch – Cantina Tramin (5)

• St. Magdalener Classico – Franz Gojer-Glögglhof (5)

The Public’s Choice

•  St. Magdalener Classico – Cantina Bolzano

The most awarded wineries

•  Cantina Kaltern – with E&N (18)

• Ansitz Waldgries (18)

• Cantina Tramin (15)

• Cantina Bolzano (14)

• Cantina Merano (13)

The Schiava ambassadors

•  Hartmuth Spitaler, Cornaiano (2013)

• Enoteca Roscioli, Rome (2015)

• Jörg Ganßer, Vinothek Törggelen, Munich (2016)

• Wein.Kaltern, Caldaro (2017)

• Restaurant Patauner, Settequerce (2019)

• Jungwinzer St. Magdalena Young Vintners (2020)

Schiava in Alto Adige

•  Hectares of Schiava in 2003: 1,877 ha

• Hectares of Schiava in 2023: 556 ha

First Schiava to win an award from a leading wine guide:

• St. Magdalener classico 2009 - Pfannenstielhof, Gambero Rosso 2011.

Jury members over the years:

• 45 journalists from Italy

• 28 journalists from Germany

• 9 journalists from Switzerland

• 7 journalists from Austria

• 2 journalists from Great Britain

• 1 journalist from Sweden

• 1 journalist from Japan

And also

•  Renzo Cotarella (Marchesi Antinori)

• Axel Heinz (Ornellaia)

• Luca d’Attoma (Duemani)

• Andrea Lonardi (Tenimenti Angelini)