Vino del Passo 2022 Lieselehof

Vino del Passo 2022 – Lieselehof

Solaris from altitude: Alpine intensity and aromatic purity

The Vino del Passo 2022 is a fine white wine crafted from Solaris grapes grown at 1,250 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Passo della Mendola in South Tyrol. This is one of Europe’s highest vineyards, where heroic viticulture meets extreme terroir. Here, the intense solar exposure and large diurnal temperature swings create wines with deep aromas, natural acidity, and exceptional structure. A rare and expressive white wine made in very limited quantities.

Origin and philosophy: high-performing PIWI Solaris

Solaris is a fungus-resistant grape variety, born from a complex crossing: (Seyve-Villard 5-276 x (Riesling x Pinot Gris)) and (Zarya Severa x Muscat Ottonel). Planted in 2008 on red ferruginous-clay soils, this variety thrives without chemical treatments. Lieselehof’s hands-off, hyper-organic approach allows the grape to express the purest form of its mountain terroir.

Extreme terroir and precise viticulture

At such high altitudes (1,200–1,300 m), yields are naturally low: just 0.4–0.5 kg per vine, which means you need two vines to make one bottle. Small, concentrated berries develop slowly under cool Alpine sunshine. Harvested manually between mid- and late October, the grapes reach perfect ripeness and aromatic expression.

Tasting notes

Brilliant golden yellow. The nose reveals a complex bouquet of lemon zest, wild herbs, alpine hay, ripe peach, honey, and a peppery Muscat-like note. On the palate, the wine is salty, vibrant, and structured, with a mineral backbone and long, lingering finish. A wine that combines power and elegance with distinctive Alpine freshness.

Pairings

Perfect with white meats, spicy fish, shellfish, rich salads, or Asian cuisine. A superb gourmet aperitif wine, best served in a large glass to capture its aromatic depth.

Tech Sheet

• Grape: 100% Solaris (PIWI)

• Region: Mendola Pass (South Tyrol, Italy)

• Altitude: 1,250–1,300 m

• Soil: Red ferruginous-calcareous clay with gravel

• Harvest: Mid to late October

• Must weight: 17–19° KMW

• Vinification: Fermentation and aging in stainless steel

• Service temperature: 12–14°C

• Aging potential: Up to 6 years

• Style: Dry, aromatic, structured

• Bottle: 75 cl

• Contains sulfites

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Lieselehof – Morandell Estate

Family roots and sustainable innovation

Lieselehof is a family-run winery based in Caldaro, at the foot of the Mendola Pass in South Tyrol. Founded in 1993 by the Morandell family on limestone and gravel soils between 250 and 1250 m a.s.l., it takes its name from “Liesele,” Elisabeth, the founder’s wife. Today it is managed by the second generation, Julian and Maximilian, and stands out for its focus on sustainability and innovation with disease-resistant PIWI varieties.

Organic viticulture and PIWI grape pioneers

A pioneer in Italy, Lieselehof was among the first wineries to adopt PIWI grapes—fungus-resistant varieties that eliminate the need for chemical treatments. The vineyards are certified organic, managed without herbicides or pesticides, with a deep respect for biodiversity and soil health. Yields are limited to 1.5 kg per plant to ensure high-quality, concentrated fruit.

A living vineyard museum

The estate hosts a remarkable Vine Museum, with more than 350 grape varieties from around the world. It is a unique biodiversity collection open to visitors. Lieselehof is also a wine resort and agritourism facility offering vineyard tours, tastings, and accommodation in eco-friendly apartments for a complete wine immersion experience.

Winemaking and style

In the cellar, vinification follows natural and non-invasive methods: spontaneous fermentations, no synthetic additives, and minimal filtration. The range includes crisp whites like Julian, elegant reds from Pinot Noir, orange wines from Solaris and Bronner, as well as traditional method and ancestral sparkling wines. The style is expressive, mineral, and structured—natural wines that age gracefully and reflect their alpine terroir.