{"product_id":"bergmannhof-schiava-lagrein-hoamet-alto-adige-italy-2020","title":"Bergmannhof, Schiava\/Lagrein 'Hoamet', Alto Adige, Italy 2020","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you've been following The Caubleist for the last year, you already know my affinity for the Italian Dolomite variety Schiava (aka Vernatsch). To be fair, most Schiava-based wines are designed to offer lighthearted charm for a glass or two - but there is a small, extraordinary  minority of elite, truly hand-crafted bottles that stop me in my tracks every vintage. Bergmannhof's \"Hoamet\" belongs emphatically to the latter category - it’s one of my favorites. From the first sip, this wine announces itself with uncommon torque and dimensionality almost shockingly atypical for the variety. The fruit is so vivid and layered, and the minerality so dense and finely etched that you can practically feel the fractured Dolomite stone in each sip. Especially with multiple years of cellar age, this 2020 vintage delivers a level of detail, energy and persistence that makes a compelling case for Schiava as one of Italy's most quietly profound red varieties. There are only 12 cases of this wine imported into the US each year - it’s a rare treasure you shouldn’t miss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Bergmannhof cellar sits below the Pichler family’s modest stone house (4 generations under one roof!) in the historic winegrowing commune of Eppan in Alto Adige, where vineyards climb from near-sea level elevation, almost vertically up into the South Tyrolean Dolomites. While the vineyards and home are approaching a millenium of age, the Pichler family has farmed this property since the mid 1800s. Today, Johannes Pichler represents the latest generation to guide the estate, blending deep family tradition with an increasingly thoughtful, minimalist philosophy. Organic farming, meticulous handwork and an obvious respect for the land define every decision in both vineyard and cellar, with the goal of producing wines that speak clearly of place rather than technique.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eToday’s 2020 Hoamet is dominated by Schiava (Vernatsch), with lesser amounts of Lagrein, grown on remarkably stony, clay-limestone gravel soils surrounding the estate. The grapes are harvested by hand, fermented spontaneously with a portion of whole clusters in open tonneaux, then aged for eighteen months on its fine lees in seasoned oak before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The result is a wine that somehow combines transparency with surprising authority: wild strawberry, red cherry, rose petals, mountain herbs and crushed stone are wrapped around a quietly serious framework that gives the wine uncommon length and presence. Rather than polishing away its edges, the élevage preserves the vineyard's naturally savory, mineral personality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScarcity only adds to the allure. Production amounts to fewer than 2,000 bottles annually, and just 12 cases are imported into the United States each year. Finding a bottle requires equal parts persistence and luck; finding a second bottle may prove even harder. This remains one of those rare wines that even experienced collectors are unlikely to encounter twice, not because anyone is trying to create exclusivity, but simply because the estate is tiny and the wines disappear almost as quickly as they are made. I encourage you to serve Hoamet at 62°F in a Burgundy stem to capture both its aromatic lift and quietly muscular structure. While wonderfully versatile at the table, few pairings feel more natural than a bowl of traditional South Tyrolean gnödle alongside slices of smoky local speck. The dumplings echo the wine's earthy generosity, while the cured pork amplifies its vibrant red fruit and savory mineral backbone. Drink now through the early 2030s as the wine continues to gain nuance and complexity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Transparent","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":47226718027932,"sku":"CAUB2607-BERGMAN20HOAMET-750","price":49.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0694\/6937\/2572\/files\/Bergmannhof_SchiavaLagrein2022WEB.png?v=1784307816","url":"https:\/\/thecaubleist.com\/products\/bergmannhof-schiava-lagrein-hoamet-alto-adige-italy-2020","provider":"The Caubleist","version":"1.0","type":"link"}