Nestled in the mountainous region of Alto Adige, the village of Tramin has long been known for its tight-knit community, where everyone knows one another’s children. Among them, a 20-year-old woman, disillusioned by her idyllic surroundings, left for the United States, seeking the excitement of a glamorous life. Yet, despite her departure, she could not foresee the global recognition her hometown’s winery coop, Cantina Tramin, would soon receive for producing Italy’s first 100-point white wine.
The concept of a cooperative winery is common in Europe but unfamiliar in the U.S., where small vineyard owners unite to pool resources for better-quality wine production. Cantina Tramin, formed by 160 family growers who own over 660 acres of vineyards, stands as an exception in a world often dominated by renowned fine wine regions. For decades, the coop, under the guidance of chief winemaker Willi Stürz, has cultivated a reputation for producing exceptional wines, especially white varieties like Gewürztraminer.
The coop’s pivotal moment came with the 100-point rating of their Gewürztraminer ‘Epokale,’ a wine that exemplified the coop’s commitment to quality and innovation. Aged in a mountain cellar 1,500 feet below sea level, ‘Epokale’ showcases the aging potential of Gewürztraminer and has become a symbol of Cantina Tramin’s mission. Stürz, who has been with the coop for over 30 years, implemented a radical shift toward premium wines at a time when many coops focused on mass production.
The coop’s success can be attributed to the hands-on approach of its growers, who are deeply invested in the quality of their vines. By focusing on low-yield, high-quality grapes and manual harvesting, Cantina Tramin has elevated its reputation to be considered one of the top white wine producers globally.
After years in the U.S., the young woman from Tramin returned home, exhausted and defeated by the harsh realities of life abroad. However, the welcoming arms of her village, despite her earlier rebellion, reminded her of the community she had once rejected. As her story mirrors the cooperative’s journey—one of struggle, resilience, and eventual recognition—Cantina Tramin continues to build on its legacy, offering wines like the acclaimed Pinot Grigio and Gewürztraminer ‘Nussbaumer,’ each a testament to the region’s rich winemaking tradition.
Among Cantina Tramin’s latest offerings are the 2022 ‘Unterebner’ Pinot Grigio, a complex wine with hints of apricot and Brazil nut, and the 2020 ‘Troy’ Chardonnay, an exceptional example of high-acid, minerally Chardonnay from their best vineyards. These wines, alongside their iconic Gewürztraminer, highlight the coop’s growing influence in the world of fine wine.
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