Glarea: the strength and fragility of the mountain in Cantina Tramin's new Chardonnay

Cantina Tramin in Termeno (BZ) presents its new interpretation of Chardonnay: Glarea , son of the Mendola and the gravelly soil given by the erosion of its slopes, from which it takes its name. In fact, in the ancient local dialect, Glarea means "gravel". After the success with Gewürztraminer, in recent years Cantina Tramin has placed Chardonnay at the center of its project. An important challenge, promoted by the oenologist Willi Stürz, with the aim of making the most of the vine thanks to the particular characteristics of Alpine viticulture, which has had significant recognition with Troy Riserva. The Chardonnay Alto Adige DOC Glarea is born from the forces of nature: the vineyards are located on the first slopes of the Mendola massif, under Mount Roen , with a south-east exposure. The vines are located on an alluvial fan formed by the Rio Höllenbach, in a soil particularly rich in dolomite limestone and sandstone gravel, originating from the millenary erosion of the mountain. Here the cold winds that descend along the Rio Höllenbach blow towards the bottom of the Adige valley, due to their weight, and are concentrated precisely on the Glarea vineyards, located on the first fan. The low hill position, between 220 and 280 m asl, and the proximity of the valley floor, therefore, create a microclimate whereby the Glarea vineyards are very hot during the day and subject to the accumulation of cold air at night, especially in the later hours and early in the morning, thus enjoying extraordinary changes in temperature . These pedoclimatic characteristics give a decisive imprint to the wine, full of mineral , earthy hints, with interesting olfactory notes, the glass is rich and pleasantly structured. At the same time it is fresh and with particular fruity notes, despite the fermentation takes place in wood and enjoys aging in different barrels - including barrique, tonneau and 12 hl barrels - remaining for 11 months in contact with the yeasts. Glarea is also captivating in combinations : with savory first courses, from vegetable soup to spaghetti with clams, exceptional together with intense fish dishes and delicate white meats. Also excellent with pizzas that stand out for their acidic notes, such as buffalo with fresh tomatoes.