Weingut Nicolussi-Leck
The Kreithof, as the ancestral estate is known, is located near the idyllic Lake Caldaro in South Tyrol (Alto Adige) and has been cultivated by the Nicolussi-Leck family since 1915. Standing guard over it are the medieval ruins of Leuchtenburg Castle, which – like the estate – dates back to the 13th century and was presumably also associated with nearby Laimburg Castle in the Etsch Valley.
Today, the winery is run by Jakob Nicolussi and his wife Stephanie with his parents’ support. Around 5 hectares lie between the lake and Leuchtenburg. There are east, south and west-facing slopes at about 350 metres above sea level, some with a gradient of up to 40% and warm, loamy soils and the porphyry rock of Mitterberg mountain. Each vineyard or plot of land has its own unique microclimate and soil composition that distinguish it from the others. This diversity was used to select the ideal location for each grape variety.
White wines from Weingut Nicolussi-Leck
Red wines from Weingut Nicolussi-Leck
from Weingut Nicolussi-Leck
Vernatsch is a must in South Tyrol, typically and best grown on traditional pergolas. Lagrein and the white varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc and Gewürztraminer are equally characteristic of this wine heaven in the far north of Italy. Merlot and Cabernet Franc have also found a home at Nicolussi-Leck.
The historic wine cellar and two ancient buildings give us an idea of how the estate must have looked in the Middle Ages. The new, state-of-the-art wine cellar, built into the hillside over several floors, offers a striking visual contrast. The hand-picked grapes are gently vinified here using the force of gravity. This results in very variety-typical, precise wines that are quite simply a delight. They all bear the names of family members and the label, like the logo, features a stylised Leuchtenburg Castle.
The winery also has a small, charming bed & breakfast – the ideal location for hiking, cycling and dolce far niente by the lake. www.kreithof.it
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