The estate of Peter Sölva & Söhne carries a sense of rich historical import, having been owned by the same families for generations, with documents establishing activity as early as the beginning of the eighteenth century. As integral as the past is to Peter Sölva & Söhne’s identity, however, modern viticultural practices have been slowly integrated with traditional values over time, rendering the estate somewhat of a touchstone for the evolution of Alto Adige. Of particular note is the fact that wine was sold exclusively in cask on a local basis until 1959; the standard 750-ml size was adopted only several years thereafter. Peter Sölva’s gradual admission of modern approaches is most apparent, perhaps, with respect to the aging of the wines, as oak casks joined the vessel fleet only in 1986.

The estate’s commitment to the area’s history and evolution is palpably reflected in the portfolio, which features both traditional grapes as well as those that have entered the regional landscape in more recent years. While Schiava, Lagrein, and Gewürztraminer constituted the principle core, the offerings also reflect the major names in Alto Adige’s extensive white varietal catalogue—Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Blanc—although only Chardonnay is vinified on a monovarietal basis, specifically as a spumante. While producers in the Alto Adige tend to employ both stainless steel and cask in the vinification of their whites, Peter Sölva’s offerings reflect a predilection for oak aging.

In its red production, the estate honors the prevalence of Schiava in Alto Adige. Although it occupies more than half of Alto Adige’s vineyards, Schiava doesn’t get outside much, being of a rather light constitution that doesn’t appeal to audiences outside its local purview. Its trademark style is a holdover from the region’s Austrian career, when farmers privileged sustenance over gratification. Merlot and its fellow Bordeaux varietals, Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, have been edging Schiava out of its prime positioning for several years now. Peter Sölva, in fact, was one of the first Caldaro estates to plant Merlot. While it does enjoy a formidable presence in the portfolio, the indigenous Lagrein is just as significant. Lagrein has quietly yet steadily been acquiring international recognition in recent years, successfully establishing a notable presence outside its principal domain. Lagrein, unlike Schiava, just isn’t the light and lively sort: Even when fashioned as a rosé, its flavors run particularly deep. In its trademark juxtaposition of sweet and savory, dark fruits and bold coffee
sacrifice lushness in the presence of an unbridled gaminess.