schiller-wine: August 2025

Sunday, August 31, 2025

3 Nights at Hotel Im Tiefenbrunn in Lana, near Merano, in Alto Adige - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

From June 16 to July 3, 2025, Annette and I spent time in wine country Italy, by car.

For an overview of the whole trip, go here: Wine Country Italy - Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige - in the Summer of 2025

Fifth Stop: Trentino-Alto Adige

The last stop of our Italy wine tour 2025 was the Trentino-Alto Adige region. We stayed 3 nights in Lana at Hotel Tiefenbrunn and 3 nights in Bolzano at Hotel Laurien.

We visited 10 wineries, most of them during the second half of the stop when we were based in Bolzano.

While in Lana, we had a light dinner at Hotel Im Tiefenbrunn in Lana and went out for dinner to Sissi (1 Star Michelin) in Merano and to Gasthaus Appollonia (Bib Gourmand Michelin), up in the mountains, above Nalles.

While in Bolzano, we had dinner at Toma by Lisa (wine bar), Loewengrube in Bolzano (Michelin listed) and Voegele (Bib Gourmand Michelin) in Bolzano.

Hotel Im Tiefenbrunn in Lana

Hotel im Tiefenbrunn is a family-run hotel. One of the 3 evenings in Lana, we stayed at the hotel and had a light dinner there, including 2 bottles of wine from Alto Adige, an Arunda sparkling wine and a Muri-Gries red wine.

Welcome to Hotel Im Tiefenbrunn – Gardensuites & Breakfast**** in Lana!

In the heart of the Alps, surrounded by apple orchards and vineyards with wonderful view over the surrounding mountains, you are offered Tiefenbrunn Gardensuites & Breakfast, a small comfort-hotel. Charming and inviting, it is equipped with love for details and has a pleasant ambiance, offering a personal service and hearty hospitality. ...

The new, light-flooded spa area with yoga and meditation room, relaxation area, sauna and steam bath is ideal for relaxing moments. Outside, we also offer a bio nature pool, sunbeds and swing beds as well as the beautiful pine garden with relax areas.

A Historical Overview of the Alto Adige and its Winemaking (Annette Schiller, ombiasy WineTours)

Trentino-Alto Adige, as this region is referred to in English-language guide books to wine regions, is the northernmost wine region of Italy and a very special place where Italian and German traditions merge. Trentino-Alto Adige is a fascinating and unique region in the Alps. It boasts of an extraordinary variety of landscapes: snow-capped mountains in the Dolomites, valleys, streams, Lake Garda, and century-old breathtakingly beautiful towns true to their hybrid Germanic-Italian culture.

This region, situated south of the Alpine Brenner Pass, has been through a rollercoaster of invasions and was a continuous bone of contention due to its strategic importance. Even in Roman times, the Brenner Pass was strategically significant, on the northern frontier of the Empire. In the Middle Ages, it served as the main connection between Central Europe and Italy for merchants, pilgrims, and armies. Finally, in the early 1600s Trentino (Süd-Tirol)-Alto Adige became part of the Habsburg Empire. After the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Habsburg Empire and the Central Powers after WW I, this region was annexed by Italy. Countless uprisings by the Germanic population followed and Italy tried to eliminate the German language and culture.

Modern-day Süd-Tirol was created in 1948, after WW II. It was in 1946 that an official agreement was signed which gave this region extensive autonomy. Since the 1970s, most legislative and administrative powers have been transferred to the two self-governing provinces that make up the region: the province of Trento, commonly known as Trentino and the province of Bolzano (Bozen), commonly known as Alto Adige or Süd-Tirol in German. Official languages are German and Italian. The people have Italian citizenship.

Trentino-Alto Adige has a very long history of winemaking, about 3000 years. Trentino-Alto-Adige’s vineyards are true Alpin vineyards on elevations of 700 - 3,300 ft on mostly gravelly soils. Because of the altitude of this region, even in the hot and sunny summers night temperatures are always cool and these diurnal temperature differences are excellent for the production of wines of great finesse. This makes the region famous for single variety crisp, beautiful white wines such as Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc), Gewürztraminer, and the indigenous grape Nosiola. In terms of quantity, more red wine is produced than white. More than 50 percent of all vineyards are planted with the light Schiava (Vernatsch in German). More and more vineyard area has been dedicated to Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir). The red Lagrein vine actually comes originally from Trentino, but the finest Lagrein grows in Gries on flatter, lower-lying vineyards directly near Bozen in Alto Adige. The often almost opaque, dark purple Teroldego Rotaliano, also an indigenous grape variety of the region, on the other hand, comes from one of the few rock-lined valleys in the northern part of Trentino. Trentino is also home of the production of modern style red blends.

Hotel Tiefenbrunn

Bio Nature Pool

Light Dinner at the Hotel

Wine Country Italy - Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige - in the Summer of 2025

From June 16 to July 3, 2025, Annette and I spent time in wine country Italy, by car.

For an overview, go to: Wine Country Italy - Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige - in the Summer of 2025

Postings

Wine Country Italy - Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige - in the Summer of 2025

Lake Como

At Villa Almana in Cernobbio at Lake Como - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Bolgheri

Dinner at La Tana del Pirata in Marina di Castagneto Carducci, Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Winery Tour and Tasting at Tenuta Argentiera, Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Florentine Steak - Dario Cecchini Selection - for Lunch at Osteria Magona in Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Running into Marco Balsimelli, Production Director, Ornellaia and Masseto, at Osteria Magona, Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at La Macchiole, Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Visiting Vigna Lodovico and Tasting Lodovico Antinori's Cult Wines Lodovico and Il Nicchio with his Assistant at Locanda dell' Aioncino - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Dinner at Locanda dell' Aioncino, Bibbona, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Tasting the Wines of Tenuta di Biserno and Staying at Relais di Biserno, Bibbona, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia): Barrel Cellar Tour and Tasting - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Bistecca alla Fiorentina for Lunch at Osteria Enoteca San Guido (Sassicaia), Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Vineyard Tour, Cellar Tour and Tasting at Ornellaia, Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Dinner at La Pineta, with Chef/ Co-owner Daniele Zazzeri, a Michelin Starred Seafood Restaurant, at Marina die Bibbona, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Cellar Tour and Tasting at Grattamacco, a Benchmark Producer in Bolgheri, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Lunch at La Tana del Pirata in Marina di Castagneto Carducci/ Bolgheri/ Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Bolgheri Turning into an Open Air Restaurant - "Cena in Strada" Dinner 2025: Al Fresco Dinner in the Streets of Bolgheri, Tuscany, with Hundreds of other Wine Lovers - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Chianti Classico

3 Days at Fattoria e Villa di Rignana in the Chianti Classico Region (Tuscany) - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Dinner at Cantinetta di Rignana on a Large Terrace with Breathtaking Views of the Chianti Hills - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Tasting and Winery Tour at Fattoria di Rignana, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, with Owner/ Winemaker Cosimo Gericke - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Returning to Badia a Coltibuono in Chianti Classico: 2025 and 2012 - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Returning to Barone Ricasoli Winery (2025 and 2011): A Historical Cornerstone of Chianti Classico - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

At the Antinori Nel Chianti Classico Winery, Marchesi Antinori's State-of-the-art Winery in Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

At Isole et Olena Winery, a Major Force behind the Chianti Renaissance in the 1970s - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

At Fattoria Nittardi in Chianti Classico, Tuscany: Art and Wine - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

At Badia a Passignano in Chianti Classico, the Historic Benedictine Abbey and Producer of the Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Gran Selezione - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Sunset Dinner at Locanda Poggio al Sole (Hill in the Sun Inn) in Chianti Classico - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

(Brunello di) Montalcino and (Vino Nobile di) Montepulciano

2 Nights at Le Ragnaie, a Leading Brunello di Montalcino Producer, for Touring Montalcino and Montepulciano - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

At Altesino, a Brunello di Montalcino Producer known for Several Innovations (Us of French Barriques, Single Vineyard Concept, Brunello Futures) in Montalcino, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

At Argiano, one of the Oldest and most Prestigious Wineries in Montalcino - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

At Castello Banfi, a Renowned Winery and a Luxury Boutique Hotel, in Montalcino, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

A Brunello di Montalcino for Dinner in Montalcino at La Sosta Bistro Wine Bar - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Dinner at Taverna del Grappolo Blu - Traditional Tavern, Michelin Bib Gourmand, Extensive Brunello di Montalcino Wine List - in Montalcino, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

At Cantina Contucci, a Winery Located in the Heart of Montepulciano, just off the Main Square - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Wine Cellar and Vineyard Tour at Poderi Boscarelli, a Renowned Family-run Winery of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, with Owner Luca de Ferrari - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

At Poliziano, a Leading Producer of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, in Montepulciano, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

Saturday, August 30, 2025

At Poliziano, a Leading Producer of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, in Montepulciano, Tuscany - Wine Country Italy (Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige) in 2025

From June 16 to July 3, 2025, Annette and I spent time in wine country Italy, by car.

For an overview of the whole trip, go here: Wine Country Italy - Lake Como, Tuscany, Alto Adige - in the Summer of 2025

Fourth Stop: Montalcino and Montepulciano (Tuscany)

From Chianti Classico we drove to Montalcino and stayed 2 nights at La Ragnaie, a well-known Montalcino winery which also has 12 rooms.

One day we focused on Brunello di Montalcino producers and one day on Vino Nobile de Montepulciano producers.

On both nights we had dinner in the village of Montalcino.

Poliziano

This was the last winery we visited in Montepulciano (and Tuscany). They have a very chic tasting room.

Poliziano (GoogleAI based)

Poliziano Winery, located in Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy, is a renowned producer of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Location and History: The winery is situated on the slopes below Montepulciano, near the village of Gracciano. It was founded in 1961 by Dino Carletti, with his son Federico taking over in 1980. The winery's name is a tribute to the renowned poet Angelo Ambrogini, known as Il Poliziano, who came from Montepulciano.

Vineyards and Farming: The Poliziano estate encompasses over 500 acres, including prominent sections like Valiano, Lama, Casale, Pozzi, Caggiole, and Asinone. The vineyards are organically farmed and certified organic since 2021. They primarily cultivate Sangiovese grapes, specifically the Prugnolo Gentile clone, along with smaller amounts of Canaiolo Nero and Colorino, and some Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Winemaking Philosophy: Federico Carletti, an agronomist, emphasizes the importance of the vineyard in producing high-quality wines. He focuses on meticulous vineyard management, including clone selection, planting layouts, pruning methods, and training systems. In the cellar, they use an optical sorter for small-batch vinifications, though human sorting is preferred for top cuvées. Poliziano has also collaborated with winemakers Carlo Ferrini and Maurizio Castelli, known for their work with Sangiovese, to enhance their winemaking techniques.

Notable Wines: Poliziano is best known for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a wine revered throughout history. Their flagship wine is the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Asinone, produced from the Asinone vineyard. Other notable wines in their portfolio include Rosso di Montepulciano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano "Le Caggiole", “In Violas” Merlot Cortona, and “Le Stanze del Poliziano” Toscana IGT.

Poliziano (web site)

The Beginning

Poliziano began in 1961 when Dino Carletti, moved by a romantic vision for his native land and its centuries of wine tradition, acquired the first parcel of 22 hectares around the area of Montepulciano. The name of the winery is a tribute to this indeed. In Italian, in fact, a native of Montepulciano is called a ‘Poliziano’, of which probably the most well-known in history is the humanist and poet Angelo Ambrogini (1454-1494), nicknamed “Poliziano”, represented in the logo.

Professionalism

Federico Carletti, son of Dino, after completing his studies in agriculture, took over the management of Poliziano in the late 70s. He immediately made his mark and reached a philosophical turning point by studying and working exclusively with proprietary grapes (“Estate Winery”). The estate since his arrival has grown over the years until reaching 170 hectares of vineyards. Focused on quality viticulture, innovative yet respectful of the environment and tradition, it was soon possible for Federico to achieve a Vino Nobile of great body and great quality.

Quality

Federico in pursuing quality and excellence in his wines has continually improved techniques both in the vineyards and in the cellar. The local variety par excellence, Sangiovese, which in the territory of Montepulciano is known as “Prugnolo Gentile”, was studied and tested in order to find its best expression. Meanwhile, in the 1990s, international varieties were also planted, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, initially blended to enrich Sangiovese and then also studied on their own. This desire to explore encouraged Federico to expand, first in Maremma in 1997 and then in Cortona in 2000.

Present and future

Firm in his belief of the potentiality of the territory of Montepulciano, Federico, for almost twenty years, has focused on reaching the highest expression of this territory in his wines; he has done this at every stage of production, from the vineyards to the cellar, allowing each bottle of wine to express both the tradition and authenticity of our splendid terroir. He has also dedicated himself to the production of “crus” of great renown and the complete elimination of chemical weeding and insecticides, revolutionizing the traditional techniques with a more ‘natural’ and sustainable approach which, from harvest 2021, will yield certified organic wines.

Third generation - today

The family passion for wine and the territory continues with Francesco and Maria Stella, who since 2019 and 2021 respectively, function as essential advisors to Federico, ready to interpret and face both current and future challenges.

Cellar

The path of quality continues in the cellar, built and expanded over the years, where all of our experience and care is aimed at producing high quality, natural, distinctive wines that best interpret the terroir. The first selection of the grapes takes place in the field with a harvest done by hand. The second takes place in the cellar with a fiber optic selection for most of the wines and a manual selection for our Cru.

Vinification

The vinification takes place in individual, truncated cone-shaped vats with indigenous yeasts at temperatures maintained around 26 ° C. The goal is to extract the highest quality polyphenolic components (noble tannins).

Refinement

The refinement of the wine takes place in wood barrels of varying size and type (Barrique, Tonneaux, as well as barrels of 30, 60 and 80 hl), chosen to enhance the territoriality of the wines and not overshadow it. Everything happens in a special aging cellar built in 2005 which is humidity and temperature controlled. After the refinement, a period of bottle aging follows, which varies depending on the wine.