Abbazia di Novacella

Country: ItalyRegion: Alto AdigeSubRegion-: Valle IsarcoChannel: On-trade

May 10

COUNTRY: ITALY

REGION: ALTO ADIGE

SUB-REGION: VALLE ISARCO

Abbazia di Novacella, situated in the Valle Isarco of Alto Adige, is not only one of Italy’s oldest wineries (the oldest in Northern Italy) but also one of the northernmost estates in the country, with a history dating back to 1142. Founded by Augustinian monks, the abbey has cultivated vineyards for nearly nine centuries, establishing a legacy of meticulous viticulture, cellar craft, and terroir awareness that continues to define its wines today. The estate’s vineyards occupy steep, south-facing slopes with volcanic and moraine soils, where abundant sunlight, cool Alpine breezes, and dramatic diurnal temperature shifts preserve natural acidity, aromatic precision, and varietal integrity.

Abbazia di Novacella seamlessly blends centuries-old tradition with modern oenological expertise, producing wines that express both place and history. Among its portfolio, the Sylvaner Praepositus Alto Adige DOC stands out for its refinement and elegance: sourced from select high-altitude parcels, it delivers a delicate bouquet of white flowers, subtle mineral nuances, and crisp, vibrant acidity that captures the influence of the northern Alpine terroir. Complementing this are the Kerner Alto Adige DOC, with its bright citrus notes and racy minerality, and the Pinot Nero Riserva Praepositus, combining polished tannins and expressive red fruit from the estate’s cooler slopes. Together, these wines illustrate Abbazia di Novacella’s commitment to site-specific cultivation, centuries of heritage, and the exceptional quality that can be achieved at the northernmost reaches of Italian viticulture.