The Tonsur originates from the other side of the Eisack Valley, in a vineyard on the Ritten, the home mountain of Bozen. The site is known as Oberplatten. However, since Martin Gojer's wines are labeled as IGT or simply Vino Bianco, he cannot print the vineyard's name on the label. Instead, he uses the name as inspiration, transforming Oberplatten into TONSUR.
Oberplatten is a leased vineyard that not every winemaker would have chosen. Two-thirds Müller-Thurgau may not be particularly alluring, even when complemented by a third of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Sylvaner. Yet, Martin Gojer isn't your typical South Tyrolean winemaker – the variety names matter less to him than the terrain, the environment, the climate, and the history of the vines. The vineyard originally belonged to Thomas Kohl, renowned throughout Italy for his organic apple juices, ensuring the vines were meticulously cared for even before Martin leased them.
The volcanic soils and the climatic interplay between alpine and maritime influences are reflected in the grapes and, eventually, in the wine itself.
In the cellar, nearly half of the grape mass undergoes a short, five-hour maceration before fermenting in a large tonneaux, while the rest continues fermentation with skin contact. During its one-year maturation in large wooden barrels, the wine rests on the lees. Martin Gojer refrains from fining and filtering and uses minimal sulfur.
Style
Yellow – both visually and aromatically. Notes of chamomile and stone fruit. Compact, firmly structured, yet smooth. A cool undertone. Powerful, juicy, and textured. Just beginning its journey of evolution.
Technical Details
- Grape Varieties: Müller Thurgau (55%), Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco & Sylvaner
- Farming Method: Biodynamic
- Vineyard: Oberplatten, south-facing, porphyry soil
- Harvest: Hand-picked in 25 kg crates
- Fermentation: Spontaneous | wild yeasts, with about 50% skin contact, the remaining 50% pressed after a 5-hour maceration
- Aging: 12 months in large wooden barrels
- Filtration: None
- SO₂: < 30 mg
- Closure: Natural cork
- Serving Temperature: 10-12°C
- Alcohol: 12%
- Optimal Drinking Window: Now – 2030
- Bottle Size and Price per Liter: 0.75 l (€27/l)
Philosophy: All winemakers listed with Vinonudo work their vineyards using compost, organic fertilizers, and natural preparations, strictly avoiding herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers.
