2014 Castelfeder, Südtirol-Alto Adige DOC, Lagrein Riserva, Burgum Novum (RT93) As this classic Alto Adige expression celebrates its 11th birthday it shows all aspects of now being in its peak drinking window showing a deep impenetrable russet-tinged purple hue. An initial whiff of oak blows off with a brief time in the glass followed by notes of blackcurrant, kirsch, dried black rose petals, crushed stone, volcanic ash and damp forest floor. The palate is sublimely fruited, soft and gentle, the acidity still hanging on and the tannins soft and supple and fully integrated. Drink now-2028+ Tasted November 2025
Castelfeder was founded in 1969 by Alfons Giovanett and has been the home to much growth and change since then. As the production and depth of their portfolio has grown, so have the winery’s processes. Modernization and improved marketing have been at the forefront of those changes as the winery is now managed by its third generation of the Giovanett family. Today, estate grown grapes are harvested from 70 hectares of vineyards that are spread across the Alto Adige appellation. 70% of their grapes are white varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. The balance are red varieties, including the locally well-known Lagrein as well as Pinot Nero (aka Pinot Noir) and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The family started bottling their Burgum Novum Riserva line in 1989 and these wines represent Giovanett families’ greatest bottlings, showing the ultimate expression of the respective varieties, all grown on estate vineyards. Selected from grapes grown in the Bassa Atesina region, the vines are trained using the guyot method on limestone and porphyry soils. After a careful aging process for 18 months in small oak barrels, the Riserva wines then age for another 12 months in the bottle before being released into the market.
