Erste & Neue
Alto Adige, Italy
Alto Adige’s striking mountainsides are known for their quality co-ops, and at Erste & Neue, three of the best have joined forces to produce equally striking wines. 1986 marked the merger of Caldaro’s first co-op—founded in 1900—and the newest one formed after Alto Adige joined Italy. They adopted the name Erste & Neue which translates to “First & New.”
Thirty years after that monumental partnership, they incorporated a third co-op, called Cantina Kaltern. Altogether, these three have brought together around 500 small-scale growers, farming approximately 280 hectares of excellent alpine terroir. These sustainably farmed, primarily south-facing vineyards occupy terraced slopes from the foothills of the Mendola range all the way to the Dolomites. Their ten local grape varieties—including Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, Lagrein, and Schiava—sit at various elevations, up to 860 meters above sea level, yielding a range of terroirs and characteristics.
On these rugged slopes, ample sunlight and cool alpine temperatures combine to yield well-balanced, fresh, aromatically expressive wines. The name “First & New” doesn’t just represent the co-op’s history. It also conveys their dedication to combining the long-standing traditions of Alto Adige’s wine culture with bold experimentation. Cellar Master Gerhard Sanin takes a minimal interventionist approach in the cellar. He employs both time-honored winemaking techniques and modern cellar technology to evoke all the majesty and dynamism of the grapes’ mountain home.
Thirty years after that monumental partnership, they incorporated a third co-op, called Cantina Kaltern. Altogether, these three have brought together around 500 small-scale growers, farming approximately 280 hectares of excellent alpine terroir. These sustainably farmed, primarily south-facing vineyards occupy terraced slopes from the foothills of the Mendola range all the way to the Dolomites. Their ten local grape varieties—including Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, Lagrein, and Schiava—sit at various elevations, up to 860 meters above sea level, yielding a range of terroirs and characteristics.
On these rugged slopes, ample sunlight and cool alpine temperatures combine to yield well-balanced, fresh, aromatically expressive wines. The name “First & New” doesn’t just represent the co-op’s history. It also conveys their dedication to combining the long-standing traditions of Alto Adige’s wine culture with bold experimentation. Cellar Master Gerhard Sanin takes a minimal interventionist approach in the cellar. He employs both time-honored winemaking techniques and modern cellar technology to evoke all the majesty and dynamism of the grapes’ mountain home.
