The Müller Thurgau of Valle di Cembra: A Vertical Journey in Viticulture

Jan 25, 2024Daniele Borgogno
Il Müller Thurgau della Valle di Cembra: Un Viaggio Verticale nella Viticultura

The Origin of Müller Thurgau: The Perfect Crossbreed
Müller Thurgau was created in 1882 by Swiss botanist Hermann Müller from the canton of Thurgau. This variety is a cross between Riesling and Madeleine Royale, bred to combine the richness of Riesling with the earlier ripening qualities of Madeleine Royale. Since its inception, Müller Thurgau has been subject to various perceptions, often considered an underappreciated grape, yet it has carved a niche for itself in various wine-producing regions. Müller Thurgau thrives in cooler climates, making it a suitable varietal for regions with such environmental conditions. The grape's adaptability to different soil types and climatic conditions has facilitated its cultivation across various regions, each contributing to a unique expression of the grape. Cultivation techniques such as canopy management, controlled yields, and selective pruning play crucial roles in optimizing the quality of Müller Thurgau grapes.
Trentino Alto Adige: The Ideal Terroir for Müller Thurgau
In Italy, Müller Thurgau has found a special place in Trentino Alto Adige. The region's unique terroir, with its calcareous soils, altitude, and significant temperature variations, provides the ideal conditions for the grape to express its subtle elegance. Here, Müller Thurgau transforms from a modest grape into a protagonist at the table, demonstrating how a specific terroir can elevate a grape variety's profile. The area where it is most iconic vineyards of Valle di Cembra, one of the five wine-growing regions in the province of Trento, are some of Europe's highest, contributing to the distinctive traits of Müller Thurgau wines Müller Thurgau from Valle di Cembra represents a remarkable enological gem. This wine, cultivated up to 900 meters above sea level, embodies the elegance and vigor of its terroir.

Muller Thurgau

The Essence of Heroic Viticulture: Valle di Cembra
The cultivation of Müller Thurgau in this region is an epitome of heroic viticulture. The vineyards, planted at altitudes ranging from 250 to 1,000 meters, are supported by more than 700 kilometers of dry-stone walls on steep slopes, reflecting the tremendous effort and dedication of the winegrowers. This challenging terrain results in limited water reserves, which, combined with the porphyric soil, enhance the grape’s productive characteristics. The primary grape varieties grown in Valle di Cembra include as well Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir (known locally as Pinot Nero). Müller Thurgau, in particular, is a star of the region, known for its age-worthy qualities and crisp, floral characteristics. Additionally, the valley produces superb examples of Pinot Grigio, Lagrein, and Teroldego, reflecting the diversity and versatility of the region's viticulture

Cantina Valle di Cembra Muller Thurgau

Muller Thurgau Valle di Cembra

High-Altitude Organoleptic Profile

The Müller Thurgau from Valle di Cembra is a wine of unique depth and verticality. It presents a straw-yellow color with pronounced greenish reflections. The nose is met with intense aromas featuring strong floral, citrus, and exotic fruit notes. On the palate, the wine showcases unmatched depth and verticality, marked by distinct sapidity and freshness. This Müller Thurgau is a true reflection of high-altitude viticulture, where every sip brings forth the essence of the mountains.

Taste the elegance and resilience of the region in every sip, and savor the distinct flavors that make Müller Thurgau from Valle di Cembra a true masterpiece.

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