2024 Hans Rottensteiner Vigneti delle Dolomiti Rosso Kitz

An unspecified blend of Schiava, Lagrein and Merlot. Vinified simply in stainless steel tanks. 13.4% alcohol. The name ‘Kitz’, meaning ‘baby ibex’, recalls the heraldic symbol of the Rottensteiner family and represents the young and lively character of these wines.

This easy going, unoaked light alpine red does great with a slight chill. Smooth, subtle blue and black fruits against a backdrop of alpine herbs. Very fine, tea-like tannins and fresh, lifted acidity. 

The history of the Rottensteiner family has always been closely linked to winegrowing in the city of Bolzano: the first records of winemaking on Rottensteiner lands goes back to 1530.  Founded in 1956 by Hans Rottensteiner, the winery’s initial focus was selling unbottled wine to Switzerland. In the 1980’s, his son Toni changed over to marketing bottled wines, and since 2001 he has been supported by his grandson Hannes. Not only have the grapes from the family’s 25 acres been processed from the onset, but also that of 50 regional grape growers as well. This close cooperation has extended for generations and is essentially responsible for the excellent quality of the wines. The vineyards are located in and around Bolzano, one of South Tyrol’s most important wine-growing areas. Here, Mediterranean influences meet Alpine freshness, creating ideal conditions for viticulture. Warm days, cool nights and diverse soils provide the foundation for elegant, expressive wines with a distinctive regional character.  Hans Rottensteiner is especially known for Lagrein and St. Magdalener, two of South Tyrol’s most important traditional red wines. 

92 points, Wine Enthusiast. "This wine chooses savory over sweet, herbs leading while blue and purple fruits stay quiet but present. Everything moves with understated grace, fine tannins adding just enough structure to remind you this is serious wine."