2021 St. Michael-Eppan Alto Adige Appius

St. Michael-Eppan Winery

St. Michael-Eppan is among the absolute top wines in Alto Adige and has been a benchmark for quality and consistency for decades. The winery works with a large network of winegrowers who collectively own excellently situated vineyards around Appiano. Under the guidance of cellar master Hans Terzer, the emphasis is on terroir expression, precision, and ageing potential. Appius is the pinnacle of this work and is produced only in vintages in which all components reach the desired level.

More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Alto Adige and the 2021 vintage

Alto Adige is a mountainous region in northern Italy where altitude, abundant sunlight, and cool nights produce wines with freshness and aromatic tension. The influence of the Alps and Dolomites is clearly evident here.

The 2021 vintage required careful choices in the vineyard and cellar. The growing season was unpredictable, but ultimately yielded grapes with balance, clarity, and concentration. For Appius, this resulted in a wine that combines power and lightness, clearly revealing its mountainous origins.

Vineyards and terroir of Appius

The grapes for Appius come from select vineyards around Appiano, situated on slopes with southeasterly and southwesterly exposures. The soils consist primarily of calcareous gravel and moraine deposits.

The vines average 25 to 40 years old and produce low yields. This combination of altitude, soil, and age forms the basis for the wine's intensity, minerality, and refinement.

Grape varieties and composition

The 2021 St. Michael-Eppan Appius is blended with Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc. Chardonnay forms the backbone, providing structure and depth.

Pinot Blanc and Pinot Grigio contribute finesse and texture, while Sauvignon Blanc adds freshness and aromatic tension. The exact blend is adjusted annually based on the quality of the harvest.

Harvest and vinification

The harvest was carried out entirely by hand at the end of September, with several selection rounds. Only perfectly ripe and healthy grapes are used for Appius.

Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation takes place largely in wooden barrels, with the exception of Sauvignon Blanc. After one year of aging, the blending process takes place, after which the wine matures for several more years on its fine lees in stainless steel tanks. This long sur lie aging provides texture, complexity, and harmony.

Style and maturation

Appius's style is refined and precise, with a clear balance between freshness and depth. The use of wood is supportive and fully integrated into the overall effect.

The wine is already approachable, but clearly built for further development and deepening with bottle aging.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a clear, light golden yellow color with greenish reflections. The aroma is complex and elegant, with notes of white currant, citrus, ripe apple, and subtle stone fruit, complemented by alpine herbs and a mineral undertone.

On the palate, the wine is layered and energetic, with a creamy attack and a tight, mineral mid-palate. The finish is long, clean, and slightly salty, with lingering tension.

Structure and storage potential

The 2021 Appius boasts impressive cellaring potential. The combination of acidity, extract, and long lees aging makes this wine suitable for long-term cellaring.

Over the years the wine will gain in complexity and become increasingly refined.

Would you like to order wines from St. Michael-Eppan online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you this information when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

Oysters and other shellfish complement the fresh acidity and mineral tension perfectly.

Turbot or sole in butter sauce goes well with the creamy texture and depth.

Risotto with porcini or chanterelle mushrooms enhances the layering of the wine.

Veal fillet with mushrooms combines beautifully with the structure and finesse.

Japanese dishes such as yellowtail sashimi or tuna with a hint of wasabi complement the precision and length surprisingly well.

White asparagus with a refined sauce forms an elegant combination with the fresh acidity.