# Muri-Gries Alto Adige Schiava (2024)

- **Producer:** Klosterkellerei Muri-Gries
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Schiava
- **Region:** Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €12
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, violet

## About this wine

Klosterkellerei Muri-Gries is a historical Benedictine monastery winery situated in Bolzano, Alto Adige. Benedictine monks relocated to this site from Switzerland in 1845, taking over an 11th-century fortress and augustinian abbey. The estate seamlessly combines centuries of monastic tradition with modern viticultural precision, managed for decades alongside the secular Werth family. Schiava (known locally as Vernatsch) is South Tyrol's classic indigenous red grape, central to the regional identity.

## Interesting facts

- The Benedictine monks moved to Bolzano from Muri, Switzerland, in 1845, establishing their winery in a medieval castle.
- Schiava has been cultivated continuously in South Tyrol since the Middle Ages.
- Muri-Gries Schiava has earned top honors as 'Vernatsch of the Year' at the regional Trofeo Schiava.

## Food pairing

Schiava's feather-light body, delicate tannins, and bright fruitiness make it the ultimate pairing partner for traditional Alpine appetizers, cured meats, and light Mediterranean dishes. Served slightly chilled, its refreshing quality cuts through the richness of charcuterie without overpowering soft food textures.

## Wine making process

Grapes are sourced from selected vineyard plots in San Michele Appiano and Caldaro at altitudes between 350 and 400 meters, featuring sandy morainic and gravelly soils. Vinification is focused on highlighting pure fruit character, consisting of temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 26 °C for 8 days. The wine matures entirely in stainless steel tanks, avoiding any oak contact to preserve its characteristic light-bodied elegance.