Winemaker Notes
The extreme interplay between sunny days influenced by the Mediterranean climate and cool nights marked by the cold downslope winds from the surrounding mountains have a positive influence on the development of the aromas and the acidity of Epokale.
Epokale is the ideal match for spicy dishes, its blossom aromas harmonize with seafood and grilled fish, fabulous with white meat or dishes replete with substantial herbs or spices, like game with pear, cranberry jam and alpine herbs. Perfect with smear-ripened cheeses with not-too-sweet desserts.
Vegan-Friendly
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
It's always such a treat to taste this special wine that ages in bottle underground at the back of an abandoned mine for seven long years. The Cantina Tramin 2017 Alto Adige Gewürztraminer Spätlese Epokale opens to a luminous golden shine with aromas of sponge cake, soft honey, white flower and beeswax. On second nose, you recognize spicy hints of ginger and white licorice. This is a full-bodied semi-sweet wine with a thick, glossy texture. Fruit comes from a one-hectare plot planted on calcareous gravel and clay over a base of porphyry rock. This winery has made excellence in Gewürztraminer its mission in life.
-
Vinous
The 2017 Gewürztraminer Epokale is deeply seductive, mixing dusty dried flowers with white peach, crushed stone, almond and a whiff of petrol. It is richly textural with a notable inner sweetness contrasted by vibrant acidity as mineral-tinged nectarine mixes with a lemon saturation toward the close. This displays remarkable length yet freshness, as a tactile saline crunchiness lingers along with sour lime and nuances of sage. The Epokale finished at 65 grams of residual sugar, but it is immaculately balanced and geared for the cellar.
Rating: 94+ -
James Suckling
An intense wine. White roses are enhanced by peaches, apricot juice and bittersweet depth. Very exotic and sweet with oily texture and orange-marmalade flavors. The finish is refreshing yet a bit bold.
-
Wine Enthusiast
This is like walking through an exotic spice market holding a bouquet of roses while someone’s cooking tropical fruits in syrup. Pineapple leads the charge before lychee joins in. The palate keeps that sweet spice energy flowing: star anise and friends partying with more pineapple punch. Late harvest living large.
Gewürztraminer, an expressive and aromatically distinctive white grape variety, is considered a noble variety in the Alsace region of France, and produces wonderful wines in the mountainous Alto Adige region of NE Italy. Generally this grape grows well in cooler regions and its natural intensity makes it a great ally for flavorful cuisine such as Indian, Middle Eastern or Moroccan. Somm Secret—Because of a charming perfume and tendency towards slight sweetness, Gewürztraminer makes for an excellent gateway wine for those who love sweet wines but want to venture into the realm of drier whites.
Wine by Region › Italy › Trentino-Alto Adige › Alto Adige
Taking full advantage of direct sunlight exposure on its steep slopes, many of Alto Adige’s best vineyards are planted at extreme altitude... read more