Falkenstein - Franz Pratzner

Falkenstein is a winery based in Naturno, in the Val Venosta, at the foot of Monte Sole, in one of the driest and sunniest areas of South Tyrol. Its identity stems from terraced vineyards on steep slopes, facing mainly south and south-west, where the alpine environment meets milder climatic influences. The dry, windy climate, sunny days and cool evenings encourage slow, complete ripening, preserving the wines’ tension, aromatic precision and clarity of flavour.

The sandy, dry soils, associated with glacial moraines and rich in minerals such as gneiss, slate, granite, mica and quartz, help to define wines with a salty, vertical and distinctive profile. Riesling is the most iconic grape variety, alongside Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Nero – varieties cultivated with careful attention to the vineyards’ location and varying altitudes.

The winemaking process emphasises manual labour and a direct relationship with the raw material. The grapes are harvested by hand and processed with care; in the cellar, extended fermentation, ageing in wood and bottle ageing are employed to impart depth, balance and the potential for further development. The Falkenstein style is characterised by precise fruit expression, well-defined acidity, pronounced minerality and a finesse that consistently reflects the character of South Tyrol’s Val Venosta.