Franz Haas Pinot Nero

The Haas family has been growing grapes in Montagna in the province of Bolzano in the Alto Adige for generations. However, it is only with Franz, the current proprietor, that they have begun to produce and bottle quality wines. Franz studied at Geisenheim 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.

Pinot Noir,

Grapes for the Pinot Nero are grown on the slopes of Pinzano and Gleno in the Montagna area and in Mazzon in the municipality of Egna. The three different vineyard sites are all south-west facing and range from 350-900 metres in altitude. Soils are extremely varied within a tiny area, ranging from clay in one vineyard to sand, limestone or gravel in a neighbouring one. Density of planting is between 8,000-12,500 vines per hectare.

he 2020 vintage was a whirlwind of ups and downs. After a rather dry January and February, the vineyard was already in springtime before Easter, with temperatures well above seasonal averages. Continuing into May, the winemaker began to discuss whether to start harvesting in August, should the climate remain consistent. However, a sudden change in the weather led to a not too warm rainy period, which saved the harvest despite a ferocious and discouraging hailstorm on 29th September. This naturally led to an early harvest. Despite a smaller quantity, the quality is nonetheless, exceptional. The 2020 harvest is showing great results, proving once again that high-hills vineyards produce excellent grapes.

Fermentation took place in open top, stainless-steel tanks with a long maceration and frequent punching down of the cap. This enabled the extraction of colour and fragrances from the skins. Ageing took place in a mixture of small oak barriques and medium sized 'botti' for one year, followed by five to ten months in bottle before release.

This wine is ruby red in colour and the nose opens with notes of black cherries, raspberries, marzipan, plum jam, cloves and cinnamon, ending finally with some light earthy aromas. On the palate, this wine is fresh and lively with elegant tannins.