October 2024 - a Castel story by Ivana Capraro

Iugum 2018 - Peter Dipoli

Every month we present a wine from our cellar that our sommelier Ivana Capraro recommends for that month.

October 2024

Behind every good wine is a person who works with heart and soul, who loves and respects nature and thus creates something very special.

Normally I describe the winery, the region and the winemaker to emphasise the uniqueness of the wine. But this time I want to focus more on the people behind the wine.

I firmly believe that you can only create a great wine if you work with love and passion with nature and for the end product. And so behind every bottle in the Castel wine cellar is a person who makes it possible for us to enjoy a special experience.

The winemaker

Peter Dipoli

Peter Dipoli is a key figure in South Tyrolean viticulture and is known for his visionary approach. Despite coming from a family of fruit growers, he developed a passion for wine and became a pioneer. His courage to cultivate Sauvignon in Penone in 1988 was groundbreaking and made this grape variety representative of the region.

Dipoli's philosophy is to create wines that authentically reflect the character of their environment and vintage, without artificially adapting to market trends. He favours patience and natural processes over marketing strategies.

The emotional bond between us is deep, as I learn from his principles and admire his uncompromising dedication to quality and awareness of nature. Our conversations and tastings are valuable lessons that continue to deepen my appreciation for his work and his personality.

Peter Dipoli founded his winery in the 1980s and acquired a vineyard in Penone in 1988, where he replaced Vernatsch with Sauvignon. The altitude and the limestone and clay soils of his vineyards give his wines an unmistakable expression of the terroir.

Peter Dipoli now runs the winery together with his nephew Felix. The two have already written a book together and how could it be otherwise, naturally about wine: Sauvignon blanc in South Tyrol.

The wine

Iugum 2018

Even though I would like to emphasise the person behind the wine this time, I still recommend Peter Dipoli's Iugum 2018. This cuvée of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the warm area around Margreid, which offers ideal conditions for Bordeaux grape varieties.

The grapes are harvested in autumn and the wine is initially matured separately before being matured in the bottle for 24 months. Around 6,500 bottles of this special wine are produced every year.

Did you know...?

The label shows a picture reminiscent of old times. A farmer is standing with oxen that were used for ploughing, and the oxen are connected by an "iugum" - the Latin word for giogo (a tool). The iugum symbolises not only the physical connection, but also the cooperation and hard work that characterise traditional viticulture.

Grape variety:

70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon

Colour:

Intense ruby red colour

On the nose:

Forest fruits and spices

On the palate:

Beautiful nose-mouth correspondence. Cassis, black cherries and liquorice, accompanied by a spicy touch and strong tannins.

Pairing:

From Gerhard Wieser's kitchen, the "Venetian veal liver with apple, onions and roasted potatoes" is an ideal Italian classic. The fruity and spicy notes of the wine harmonise perfectly with the tender liver and the sweet and sour contrast of apple and onion.

Salute!

Would you like to try it?

Enjoy Castel wines at home

You can enjoy this great wine and other wines from Peter Dipoli at the Castel and take some home with you from our hotel's own wine shop at attractive prices. Alternatively, we will be happy to send you your favourite wines directly.

Cheers!

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