Franz Haas, Lepus Pinot Bianco 2022, Alto-Adige

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, who died prematurely in 2022, that they began 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 went to tremendous lengths to grow good grapes and strived to preserve the flavours of the fruit during winemaking. As a result, the wines that are produced today are infused with great character and show a rare purity and balance on the palate.

The Pinot Bianco grapes for this wine are grown in three different vineyard sites on the hillsides of the village of Montagna. The plots are located at 400-800 metres above sea level. Vineyards are south and south-west facing, planted on diverse soils that vary from light sands to heavy porphyry, and are training using the Guyot system. 'Lepus' is the Latin name for 'hare' and is part of the Haas family crest.

This wine is straw yellow in colour. Its fruity, spicy aromas are reminiscent of ripe apples, wild flowers and fresh bread crust. Strong yet elegant in structure, this Pinot Bianco has well-balanced acidity and is framed by a sweet, round richness and great length.