Pinot Bianco Schulthauser 2021, St. Michael-Eppan

Pinot Bianco, aka Pinot Blanc is somewhat Chardonnay adjacent, expressing orchard fruits and ripe citrus. This version is fermented in both stainless steel and oak barrels, and it undergoes malolactic fermentation, giving it a sexy creaminess that balances its sub-alpine acidity. A premium aperitif and summer wine, it is also quite versatile when it comes to food pairing: it goes well not only with seafood and fish but also with delicate dishes made with wild fowl. It is especially recommended as an accompaniment to South Tyrolean Schlutzkrapfen (a semi-circular stuffed pasta, similar to ravioli or pierogi).

About the Winery

With humble beginnings in 1908, the cooperative of San Michele Appiano was born. Local growers, typically with only a few rows of vines and their own personal garden for fruits and vegetables, would pull their harvests together to make wine. After one hundred years this model is still in place, but in the 1970s winemaker Hans Terzer brought a tremendous amount of intention and vision to what was happening, and transformed the local co-op to a world renowned producer. The foundation was similar to what exists today, but Hans began working with the 300 growing families to analyze soil and microclimate on their land to make sure the best suited varieties were being grown there. Once this was in place, the winemaking became more meticulous, and an emphasis on letting the terroir speak was paramount. 

Years later, Hans took it further and began experimenting with the fresh, zippy whites of his land, by aging in French oak, a practice not common at the time. The antithesis is represented in the Sanct Valentin line. It showcases the cream of the crop grape selection from various vineyards in the Dolomite foothills and time in barriques.  The expression is often cited as a harmony between acidity, creaminess and minerality. After a 40 year stretch Hans continues to deepen his relationship to the varieties and the particular vineyards that suit them best.

In 1997 the Italian wine magazine, Il Gambero Rosso, named Hans as one of the ten best winemakers in the world. In 2000, the St. Michael-Eppan Winery was named "Cantina dell'anno" (Winery of the Year). In 2017 the most important and prestigious German gourmet and lifestyle magazine, "Der Feinschmecker," honored Hans Terzer with a Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, he was named "Wine Personality of the Year 2023" by the renowned Gault&Millau guide.