The main component of our Casòn Bianco is the Viognier grape variety, which has ripened very harmoniously and with typical character in the last few years. The complementary varieties in the blend include Petit Manseng, Roussanne, Marsanne or Chenin Blanc. They all have small and thick-skinned berries in loose clusters, which make them highly resistant. Even at higher temperatures they have lower concentrations of sugar and a good acid structure. With regard to future developments, that makes them a useful addition to the range of grape varieties in Alto Adige.

In the last few years we have become increasingly excited about the Tannat grape variety, an unusual sight in the vineyards of Alto Adige, especially because of its striking red stems. The variety is making good progress from year to year, matures well and retains incredibly high levels of acidity. That makes it the perfect grape for great red wines. As of the 2014 vintage, this variety has been the main component of our red Casòn wine. The Casòn Rosso has an intensive fruitiness, a strong backbone and a pronounced acid structure.

In 1991 Alois Lageder acquired the Casòn Hirschprunn wine estate with more than 30 hectares of vineyards and the historical complex in the centre of the wine-growing village of Magrè. In the light of predictions of decisive climate change, we decided to continue the experiments with new grape varieties that we had begun in the 1980s. We wanted to know which of those varieties would enable us to reproduce the typical Alto Adige wine style at higher average temperatures and under more extreme weather conditions. Thanks to the experience gathered over the last thirty years, we now have a number of exciting, first-class and more resistant grape varieties at our disposal. These grapes are the foundation of our two Casòn Hirschprunn wines.