At a glance

Producer

Abbazia di Novacella (Stiftskellerei Neustift)

Region

Alto Adige Valle Isarco, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Grape variety

Kerner

Wine type

White

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Off-Dry

Typical price

$18-$28 USD

Tasting profile

Bright and aromatic with notes of white peach, apricot, lime, and Alpine herbs. Mineral-driven with a crisp finish.

Evolution: Will develop more honeyed, nutty, and petrol undertones over 3-4 years, while retaining minerality.

At peak: Peak aromatic expression and best balance of fruit and minerality expected between 2024-2026.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high

Tannins

None (white wine)

Alcohol

Moderate (typically 13-13.5%)

Aging potential

4-6 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2026

Optimal window

2023 to 2027

Current status

Drink or Hold

Current condition

Fresh, vibrant, and aromatic with youthful fruit and lively acidity

Kerner from Alto Adige excels in youth, showing aromatic vibrancy and freshness, but gains complexity over several years. Best drinking within the first 4-5 years post-vintage.

Food pairing

Excellent with shellfish, trout, smoked salmon, Alpine cheeses, vegetable risotto, and light poultry dishes.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Focus on integrated pest management (IPM), reduced chemical inputs, precise water management, renewable energy for winery operations, use of lighter glass bottles and local materials where possible.

Abbazia di Novacella has a strong reputation for environmental stewardship, leveraging centuries-old monastic farming traditions and modern sustainability protocols. The estate continuously invests in renewable energy, biodiversity, and careful resource use. While not fully organic or biodynamically certified, their commitment to sustainability—especially through the regional Alto Adige sustainability certification—is genuine and robust. Carbon footprint is lower for local consumption, but rises with exports, though lighter packaging mitigates this somewhat.