2013 Radoar Muller Thurgau ‘Etza’, Vigneti delle Dolomiti Bianco

Region: Valle Isarco < Alto Adige < Italy
Grapes: Muller Thurgau
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Certified organic farming, low added SO2
Winemaker: Norbert Blasbichler

Norbert Blasbichler is the 15th generation to run his family’s Radoar farm, started in 1300, in the Dolomite mountains. Radoar, which means “big round field” in local dialect, is home to cows, grains, walnuts, apples, and grapevines growing side by side.  While there have been grapes there forever, it had only been since 1999 that the wines were bottled and sold.  Norbert took over in 1997, and immediately converted the entire farm to organic agriculture. This Muller Thurgau, an aromatic varietal common in Alto Adige and also Germany, hits you with high-voltage citrus, floral, mineral and stone fruit notes, and a mouth-puckering acidity. Nothing subtle here, this is a racy, sexy wine that surprises with every sip. Yes, please!