2021 Castel Sallegg “Bischofsleiten” SCHIAVA, Lago di Caldero, Alto Adige, Italy 2021
6 bottle level $30 (member price $27)
100% Schiava 13.0% ABV
The estate went in direct succession from Archduke Rainer of Austria, Viceroy of Lombardy and Veneto via the Princess of Campofranco to today’s owner, the Count von Kuenburg. They are also blessed with a “deep cellar”, which dates back 1000+ years. The temperature is the same all year, which helps with the development of their wines. This Bischofsleiten (Bishop’s Lead, or Bishop’s Home) is their flagship wine. It’s a single vineyard wine made from one of the main indigenous varieties of Alto Adige, Schiava (“ski-ah-va”). This is a medium-bodied, fruit forward wine, perfect for your holiday table. Red cherry, red currant, violet, almond. Aged in stainless steel and used French tonneau. HOLIDAY DINNER
Food Pairing Suggestions:
This tangy wine is perfect for your Christmas table! But you’ll want to have another bottle on hand to enjoy with veal Scaloppine, chicken and mushroom Marsala, Italian herb and garlic-crusted pork tenderloin, creamy smoked salmon pasta, braised rabbit over mushroom polenta, and even southeast Asian cuisine, especially dishes featuring basil and ginger. This versatile red also pairs with a wide range of cheeses from Italian favorites like Tallegio, Robiola and Gorgonzola to fancy French chèvre such as Cabriflore or triple cream cow’s milk St. Andre