The cooperative winery in the Italian wine-growing area of South Tyrol ( Trentino-South Tyrol region) was created in 2010 through the merger of the "Weinkellerei Meran" (Merano, founded in 1952) and the "Burggräfler Kellerei" (Marling, created in 1984 through the merger of the "Marlinger Kellerei" and "Algunder Kellerei"). This united the western wine-growing region of South Tyrol from Lana in the south via Merano to Riffian in the north and Algund to Kastelbell in the west under one roof. The 380 members with many small and micro producers cultivate the best vineyard slopes in Merano and in the surrounding communities of Algund, Tirol, Kuens, Riffian, Schenna, Marling, Tscherms and Lana. In the western part of South Tyrol, the cultivation area extends into Vinschgau.
Wine production takes place in Marling; Stefan Kapfinger is the cellar master and oenologist. In 2013, the rebuilt winery was put into operation, where guided tours are offered from spring to autumn. The vineyards cover a total of 260 hectares of mostly terraced vineyards. The white wine varieties Pinot Blanc, Kerner, Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Bl anc, Goldmuskateller and Gewürztraminer are processed, as well as the red wine varieties Meraner Vernatsch (Schiava Mer anese), Lagrein, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The elaborate care of the vines is done by hand using environmentally friendly cultivation methods. The quantity of grapes is drastically reduced several times during the vegetation cycle in the vineyard. Only ripe and healthy grapes are processed through careful, selective hand-picking.
According to the maxim of the house, wines are to be produced that underline the special character of the respective growing region. The product range includes the "Festival" line (wines typical of the variety), the "Graf" line (elegant wines with a strong character from quality-enhancing yield reduction), the "Vinschgau" line (mineral mountain wines) and the top line "Lagen" (wines from specially selected, special individual vineyards). Depending on the type, the wines are aged in steel tanks, large wooden barrels or in barriques. The wines are marketed under the DOC designations Burggräfler, Meraner, Südtiroler and Vinschgau. The flagship of the house is the DOC Merano Pinot Blanc "V Years". After whole cluster pressing and fermentation, it is aged for five years on the fine lees in steel tanks and wooden barrels. The entire range can be tasted all year round in the panoramic wine cellar, from where you can enjoy a view of the Merano valley basin and the vineyards.
