A White Burgundy Rival from the Heart of Italy
I’ve seen some beautiful vineyards in my time, but the Hofstatt site in Alto Adige might just take the cake. Perched above the village of Kurtatsch, it’s a place where dramatic slopes, Alpine breezes, and mineral-rich soils conspire to create something extraordinary—something like the 2022 Cantina Kurtatsch Weißburgunder ‘Hofstatt.’
Now, let’s talk about Weißburgunder—Italy’s answer to White Burgundy (no pun intended). If you’ve ever thought Pinot Blanc was a neutral, forgettable white, this wine is here to change your mind. Thanks to the insane diurnal shifts (warm days, cool nights), the wine strikes the perfect balance between precision and generosity. Delicate apple and pear? Check. Ripe lime and lemon balm? Absolutely. A whisper of Alpine herbs and flowers? It’s all there. And thanks to nine months on fine lees in large oak barrels, the wine picks up this seamless texture that rounds out its vibrant acidity beautifully.
Hofstatt is a masterclass in terroir-driven winemaking. Dolomite, quartz, mica, and clay? You’ll find them in the vineyard and, more importantly, in the glass. And the team at Cantina Kurtatsch—190 families strong, committed to sustainable farming—makes sure every bottle sings of its origin.
This is the kind of white wine that turns heads. Crisp yet textured, structured yet effortlessly drinkable. A bottle that punches far above its weight class, and one that deserves a spot in your cellar (or on your dinner table) before word gets out.
92 Points, James Suckling
Aromas of white peaches, sliced apples, dried flowers and wet soil. Medium- to full-bodied, textured and a little salty with crunchy stone fruit character and a flavorful, mineral finish.
