Grapes: Schiava, Lagrein
Region: Alto Adige, Italy
Farming: Sustainable
Franz Gojer is one of the 'gang of four,' a group of fine small producers from the Alto Adige, the others being Andreas Widmann, Ignaz Niedrist, and Peter Pliger from Kuenhof. They have exhibited at Vinitaly together for many years, and they share a philosophy of winemaking: very expressive, very typical, very well-made wines. Gojer's estate, Glögglhof, is right in the middle of the St. Magdalena hill, a perfect amphitheater just North-East of the city of Bolzano; this is the best-known Schiava appellation, and Gojer is one of the best producers there. Franz's son Florian did an apprenticeship with Jim Clendenen at Au Bon Climat in Santa Barbara and is now working with his father at Glögglhof. Franz and Florian also bought a high-altitude vineyard (600m/2,000 feet above sea-level) at Karneid on the other side of the valley from their winery, where they have planted Weissburgunder, Kerner and Sauvignon. There was a little old-vine Schiava planted there, too, which is very unusual at this altitude. Gojer’s St. Magdalener Classico is about 95% Schiava and 5% Lagrein, grown in the middle of the St. Magdalener hill.
Food Pairing: Delicious with roasted meats and root vegetables, grilled salmon, and rich
pasta dishes.