In 1873, the great grape variety researcher Hermann Goethe described Sylvaner as follows:
"In all northern, higher-altitude vineyards, in less favorable locations, and in poorer soil conditions, Green Sylvaner is an extremely valuable grape, which will not be surpassed by any other in terms of high yield, longevity of the vine, and the quality of its product under these conditions."
Translated into a more contemporary tone, this means: Sylvaner still produces a decent wine even if your vineyards are at 600 meters, on barren soils, and in unfavorable locations. Daniel Sigmund's Silvaner vines meet two of these three criteria: They grow on quartz phyllite soils at an altitude of 620 to 770 meters. The only difference is their southeast orientation, which captures more sunlight than Goethe deemed necessary for Silvaner —though that certainly is one of the reasons why the final wine is not just decent but outstanding.
Silvaner does not originate from its today hotspots Franconia and South Tyrol, or Transylvania (although it has been spotted there), but supposedly from eastern Austria. However, only a few winemakers still cultivate it there, which is a real shame, as the grape can produce fantastic wines in the right hands. Germany has recognized this for some time, and South Tyrol, fortunately, has as well. With his version, Daniel Sigmund sets the bar high for other producers in the Eisack Valley. His grapes come from organically farmed vineyards, are harvested relatively late, undergo spontaneous fermentation, and then mature for nearly 11 months in barrels and 5 months in bottles.
Style
The result is a compact, complex, and dynamic wine. Its aromas range from fresh herbs to juicy yellow fruit, while its texture is dense, and its structure is both focused and harmonious. Those with patience can also cellar the wine for several years.
Technical Data
Grape Variety: Silvaner
Vineyard: Up to 60-year-old vines on a south-facing slope at an altitude of up to 770 meters in the Eisack Valley
Harvest: Hand-picked
Fermentation: Spontaneous | Wild yeasts | No temperature control
Aging: 11 months in large wooden barrels, 5 months in stainless steel tanks
Filtration: No
SO₂: < 25mg/l
Alcohol Content: 12.5% vol.
Closure: Natural cork
Serving Temperature: 10-12 °C
Optimal Drinking Window: Now – 2035
Bottle Size & Price per Liter: 0.75 l (€28.62/l)
All winemakers listed at Vinonudo work with compost, organic fertilizers, and natural preparations in their vineyards and refrain from using herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers.
