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exploring taste—santa margherita gruppo vinicolo wine culture—kettmeir & méthode champenoise

this area have all the features to guarantee the future of this The timing is promising – Brut from South Tyrol is now
product, it will be less a immediate and direct but more aus- widespread and esteemed. “Our clientele has developed their
tere and complex kind of Spumante.” own taste over the years. Our sparkling wines are not just for
The possibility of producing sparkling wine at an interna- aperitifs. Traditional Method Rosé can easily accompany any
tional level is today a stronger motivation. “Since 2007, the meal, thanks to its softness donated by the Pinot Nero. Brut
Traditional Method has experienced an impressive growth, on the other hand, with its aroma and freshness, is more suit-
is in great demand and seeing ever-growing sales. Our aware- ed to main courses."
ness has also changed over time. We have been able to iden- What about the future? "We will never stop,” Kettmeir prom-
tify the best vines for the Brut and the vines intended for still ises. “Our Champagne production method has remained un-
wines. We established which vineyards would be dedicated beaten, thanks to hundreds of years of experience and mar-
to Spumante right from the beginning, and this has allowed keting. It’s our territory that makes a difference – the peculiar
us to use different processes for different vines – we still use lay of the land helps us producing excellent sparkling wines.”
arbors for vines intended for sparkling wines to avoid the The quality of the final product however, remains to be the
risk of overripening, resulting in vibrantly acid grapes. The result of the work put in by all those who follow it through the
vineyards dedicated to Traditional Method Riserva are also entire process. “The people help us perfect the product; In our
carefully selected – four of Chardonnay and two of a more winery we have a team – first and foremost Francesca – that
ripened Pinot Nero. It is in the countryside where the charac- take care of every detail. That’s why I’m firmly convinced that
teristics of Traditional Method Riserva are born.” the Kettmeir winery still has a few surprises up its sleeve.”

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