Cuvée Terlaner 2020 – Cantina Terlan.

Alto Adige is known for excellent white wines, in this review we are bringing together 3 key varietals for the region in one cuvée; the Cuvée Terlaner 2020 by Cantina Terlano. 

About the Winery 

We reviewed some of the Terlan wines before, and visited this cooperation last summer. Located in and around Terlano their key varieties are Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, all present in this flagship wine. The Pinot Bianco comes from higher altitudes whereas the Chardonnay and Sauvignon grow on lower elevations.

It can be said that the Cuvée Terlaner is Cantina Terlan’s signature wine and a great way to discover their portfolio and the beauty of the North of Italy and more specifically Alto Adige.

About the Wine 

The Terlaner Cuvée is named after its town of origin and the home of Cantina Terlan; Terlano. It has been one of the most successful wines along their history of the winery and was produced since the start of the winery in 1893. Therefore, this wine can be seen as one of their benchmark wines and a true ambassador of the Terlan style and character.

The wine stands for a regional expression of terroir and the three key varietals: Pinot Bianco (Blanc), Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. After its origin it is labelled as an Alto Adige DOC wine. The 2020 vintage is a blend of: 60% Pinot Bianco, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon Blanc.

In the cellar the wine is vinified in stainless steel tanks, followed by ageing on the lees for 6-7 months, partially in steel tanks (80%) and partially in big wooden barrels (20%). This ageing process is one of the key differentiators in the identity of these Terlan cuvee’s.

In the glass the wine displays a pale yellow colour, shining bright and youthful. What follows is a nose filled with citrus, stone fruit and green apple. The freshness is supplemented by mineral notes. On the palette you encounter a lively wine with acidity provided by the Pinot Bianco, warmth and body by the Chardonnay and a refined lining by the aromatic Sauvignon grapes. This ensemble ensures complexity and joy at an ABV of 13.5%, concluded by a persistent finish. 

Conclusion: With about 250,000 bottles of this wine produced this is not a small production, but there is really something going on here. The quality is extreme and much better than most people would expect from a production on this scale. 

Combined with its very sharp price we can only strongly recommend this wine that punches high above its weight class. The complexity and dept, combined with its unique character are unparalleled. One of the best wines in this category for us. 

Price:                           €20,00

Taste date:                  August 2022

Score:                           94/100 DWA Score

Website:                      Cantina Terlan