A glass of Gewürztraminer Brenntal delivers an explosion of aromas that feels almost magical. We are in Cortaccia, in the southernmost part of Alto Adige. Brenntal is no ordinary vineyard but a natural amphitheatre, bathed in intense sunshine that beats down on its clay-rich, mineral soils. The name Brenntal literally means “burnt valley” in German. It tells an ancient story of scorching summers and grapes that reach exceptional levels of concentration here. This hillside’s great advantage is the afternoon ventilation. The Ora del Garda, a warm wind that rises from the nearby lake, flows through the rows and prevents moisture from accumulating. This microclimate allows the vines to produce only a small number of bunches, but ones that are rich in extract and natural sugars. Made entirely from Gewürztraminer, in the Brenntal cru this variety loses any overly flattering or cloying character. Instead, it develops a solid backbone capable of transforming the grape’s typical exuberance into pure elegance. The grapes are harvested entirely by hand and undergo an extremely rigorous selection directly among the vines. In the winery, the winemaking team works with meticulous precision to preserve the aromatic potential of the skins. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature. The wine then rests for several months on its fine lees. Part of it matures in large wooden casks and part in stainless-steel tanks. This combination is the true secret behind its production. The wood adds structure and softness, while the stainless steel preserves the freshness and precision of the fruit. Intense, bright golden yellow in colour, the nose immediately reveals clear aromas of rose petals and lychee, followed by mango, tropical fruit and candied orange peel. Oriental spices such as ginger and clove emerge on the finish. On the palate, the opening is rich, dense and enveloping. Its remarkable consistency with the aromas on the nose is striking, but the real surprise is the fresh, mineral backbone that cleanses the palate beautifully, leaving an exceptionally long and aromatic finish. Try it with spicy Asian dishes such as chicken curry or with intensely flavoured blue cheeses.