2019 San Michele Appiano (St. Michael-Eppan) Weissburgunder Alto Adige - Südtirol Schulthauser

2019 St. Michael-Eppan (San Michele Appiano) Schulthauser Weissburgunder DOC Alto Adige

Grape Variety: 100% Weissburgunder (Pinot Bianco)

Region: Alto Adige – Südtirol DOC, Italy

Producer: St. Michael-Eppan (Cantina San Michele Appiano)

Vintage: 2019

Alcohol: 13.5%

Appearance

Brilliant straw yellow with delicate green reflections, displaying excellent clarity and youthful vibrancy.

Nose

The bouquet is refined and expressive, opening with crisp aromas of Golden Delicious apple, Williams pear, and ripe apricot. Layers of Meyer lemon zest and white peach emerge alongside subtle white blossom, wet limestone, and a delicate almond nuance. Gentle lees aging contributes a discreet creamy complexity without overshadowing the purity of the fruit.

Palate

Dry, medium-bodied, and beautifully balanced. The wine combines vibrant Alpine acidity with a silky, almost creamy texture, a hallmark of Schulthauser. Flavors of orchard fruits are complemented by citrus freshness and a pronounced mineral backbone derived from the limestone and gravel soils of Eppan. The restrained use of oak adds texture rather than flavor, preserving varietal precision and elegance.

Finish

Long, clean, and persistent, leaving lingering notes of green apple, lemon peel, crushed stone, and a subtle almond-like bitterness that enhances its gastronomic appeal.

Food Pairing

An outstanding partner for:

* Oysters, scallops, and lobster

* Grilled sea bass, trout, or turbot

* Seafood risotto

* Roast chicken or guinea fowl

* Fresh goat cheese

* Traditional South Tyrolean Schlutzkrapfen (spinach and ricotta-filled pasta)

Serving Temperature

8–10°C (46–50°F)

Drinking Window

The winery originally recommended 4–5 years of aging, but the excellent 2019 vintage has developed additional complexity. Properly stored bottles should continue to drink beautifully through 2027–2029, gaining subtle honeyed and nutty nuances while retaining their characteristic freshness.

Overall Assessment

The 2019 Schulthauser exemplifies why St. Michael-Eppan is considered one of Alto Adige’s benchmark producers of Weissburgunder. Combining crystalline fruit, vibrant acidity, mineral precision, and understated creaminess, it delivers remarkable elegance and terroir expression. A sophisticated Pinot Bianco that offers both immediate pleasure and the structure to reward additional bottle age.

Score: 93/100