PRANZEGG, MARTIN GOJER, ALTO ADIGE

Pranzegg is a small biodynamic farm set amidst the hilly slopes of Südtirol, forming a gateway to the Dolomite Mountain range in the Italian Alps. Martin Gojer took over the reigns at the family estate in 2008. Inspired by Josko Gravner, in his early days as a winemaker, Martin has chosen to work and live as close to nature as possible. His vineyards (totalling 3.5 hectares) are seen as an integral part of the ecosystem in which the division between winemaking as a profession and as a way of life doesn’t apply. His vines (between 30 and 90 years old) are mostly trained on a traditional pergola, which lifts the foliage off the ground providing much needed shade and ventilation. The focus is on two local red varieties: Vernatsch (Schiava) which has a thin skin, giving lightly coloured juice with rather soft mouthfeel and Lagrein – a highly pigmented grape providing structure. The white grapes (mostly field blends of Müller Thurgau, Manzoni Bianco, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay) are in a minority, nevertheless are used to make intriguing, lively wines (often macerated on the skins). The biodynamic principles are equally respected in the vineyards and during the winemaking, which for Martin is an ongoing learning process where sensitivity, intuition and open mindedness are needed. In Martin’s own words: “Nature always gives us new situations to which we must choose to react (…)” Ever since we tasted Pranzegg wines couple of years ago, we have been in love with their natural precision, balance, and harmony.