Cantina Terlan A. A. Terlaner DOC “Rarity” 1991

Falstaff 99 / WA 97 pts

“Having spent a quarter of a century maturing to the height of perfection on the fine lees, the Terlaner 1991 Rarity is born again in the bottle. In the year of its foundation in 1893, the Terlano Winery created this historical cuvée from the region’s traditional white varieties, namely Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Selected grapes from old vines on a unique terroir are at the heart of the proverbial longevity of the Terlaner 1991 Rarity.“ – Rudi Kofler, Winemaker Cantina Terlan

Terlaner 1991 Rarity has been presented to the world of press last week ! Terlaner 1991 Rarity is unique in the world of wine ! After 25 years of maturing on the fine lees, this white wine has been bottled in January 2016 and is available from March 1st (released from winery). The label is made of pure silver and the bottle is packed in a single wooden box with a little silver plaque. There are just 3.000 bottles available for the world market. “Having spent a quarter of a century maturing to the height of perfection on the fine lees, the Terlaner 1991 Rarity is born again in the bottle. In the year of its foundation in 1893, the Terlano Winery created this historical cuvée from the region’s traditional white varieties, namely Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Selected grapes from old vines on a unique terroir are at the heart of the proverbial longevity of the Terlaner 1991 Rarity.“ – Rudi Kofler, Winemaker Cantina Terlan

Falstaff: Light straw yellow with light green nuances, looks very fresh. Opened in the nose with mineral notes, then white peach, some fennel, dill, complex. Tightly interwoven on the palate, firm texture, crisp, juicy fruit, round and balanced in the further course, very long finish, salty and mineral, vibrant!

WA: What can I say ? This is a stunning wine. You pay dearly for it, but the 1991 Alto Adige Pinot Bianco Rarity is precious indeed. This is the winery’s historic blend of Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc that has been produced since the founding of the winery in 1893. This special selection of fruit results in a mere 3,340 bottles, and you’ll recognize them by the heavy metal plate that serves as a front label. This wine has magically defied the years as it presents a succession of pure and beautiful aromas that underline the impressive quality of the primary fruit. Tertiary notes (and they are surprisingly subtle) come forward in terms of mineral, ash and crushed flint. The complexity soars to the stratosphere. It’s impossible to assign a drinking window to a wine that seems to have not aged at all since 1991. The shining star of my Alto Adige tasting this year is the 1991 Alto Adige Pinot Bianco Rarity. Rarity is indeed a rarity, and I can say this is one of the most exciting Italian white wines I have ever had the privilege to taste. Congratulations to Cantina Terlano in this epic achievement.