EPOKALE Benchmark for Italian White Wines
For a wine to attain the top grade in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, it must display exceptional quality. When Epokale 2009 achieved this distinction, it was a well-deserved accolade for Cantina Tramin’s Gewürztraminer. The concept is hidden in its name – a return to an earlier epoch characterised by elegance, style and grace. Before the wine is stored and matured for many years in the mine 120 km away, the 20 to 30-year-old traminer vines are cultivated with equal care, taking full advantage of the rich contrasts of the Mediterranean/alpine climate: spoiled by plenty of sunshine and warm winds during the day, refreshed by the cool mountain air at night, the grapes develop their aroma. Anyone who is lucky enough to taste this exquisite rarity will quickly understand the fascination: the Epokale flows into your glass with a golden yellow glow – and immediately exudes the unique fullness of its fragrant bouquet: notes of rose petals and exotic yellow fruits, peach, lychee, mango and passion fruit are joined by exciting spicy flavours of ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Every sip reveals freshness, harmony and profound depth.
EPOKALE
Cultivated on sunny south-eastern slopes at an altitude of 420 to 440 m above sea level, the grapes achieve an intense, fruity freshness. In terms of flavour, the Epokale wins you over with its elegance, strong charisma and distinct aroma. In the year 2009, 1,200 bottles were produced; 2,100 bottles of Epokale 2016 were placed on the market. Good to know: the latest vintage of the sought-after, exceptional Epokale 2017 Gewürztraminer will soon be available.
TROY
A complex alpine Chardonnay whose vines were cultivated at altitudes between 500 and 550 metres: A rarity and a successful experiment by Cantina Tramin: the aroma of the 2020 vintage creates delicate floral and citrus-like nuances, tropical fruits, camomile and mint, paired with a hint of exceptionally fine roasted flavours of almond and hazelnut. Its flavour has a fruity freshness and mineral quality, giving it an inimitable texture.
Under the discerning leadership of winemaker icon Willi Stürz, Cantina Tramin today cultivates around 260 hectares of vineyards with 160 winemaker families along the famous wine route. For 25 years, Stürz has been using his knowledge and vision to raise the cooperative’s quality standards steadily upwards. As much as the Epokale’s award, which he clearly defines as a team effort, fills him with pride and joy – there’s no time to rest. His attention is focussed on each selection line in the winery's range and a top quality that expresses its talent and creativity. He is also embarking on a new, exciting path into the future of South Tyrolean wine with the development of the Troy Chardonnay – a wine cultivated at high altitude.
Cantina Tramin has a long history, steeped in tradition: founded in 1898, it is one of the oldest wineries in South Tyrol. At the same time, it is also a story that has always been characterised by passion, tireless dedication and the daily pursuit of perfection. The co-operative has proven how top quality can be achieved in harmony with nature in a sustainable way. If you are travelling to Italy in the near future, we highly recommend a stop at Cantina Tramin. The distinctive company building in Tramin, whose architecture is reminiscent of vines, is impossible to miss.
