Nicola Balter
Nicola Balter is among the chosen group of winemakers that have rewritten the story of fine wines in Trentino-Alto Adige. As late as 1950, wines from Trentino were not even known in America, but 30 years of Nicola's experience in viticulture and winemaking have contributed to the way Trentino wines are viewed today. This family property and vineyards date back four generations to 1872 and incorporates an old castle with a watchtower that was part of the city wall during the days of the feudal lords. Today it is part of the Balter family home.
The vineyards are located at the foot of the Trentino Alps where Nicola has architecturally molded rocky steps to form huge balcony-type terraces to accommodate his vineyards in this most difficult terrain. The way Nicola cares for each one of his vineyards, coupled with his modern techniques and viticulture is expressed in the strength and definitive fruitiness, complex dimensions, and intense aromas of his wines. Nicola has received critical acclaim for his wines which serves to stimulate his passion for his work and is most definitely reflected in the beauty of his creations.

Barbanico
This beautiful wine is made from 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 45% Lagrein which is a typical grape of the Trentino area that adds strength to the wine and helps to keep the nuances of the aromas of the grapes. Each varietal is matured separately. Soft pressing and vinification is done in small containers with daily rimontaggio (resubmerging of the grapes that have floated to the top of the container). The duration of the maceration varies according to the harvest but is generally 10 Ð 12 days. Aging is done in French barrique barrels for 18 months, after which the wine is bottled and laid down to rest for a few months before being released.
This is a superb wine with a deep royal red color and grand structure. It is beefy, warm, full, and fruity to the taste with an excellent balance of full tannins with chocolate and black fruit accents on a long finish.
This label was the winner of an art contest for Children with Special Needs and as a tribute to Nicola's mother who works with these children.
3 Bicchieri in Gambero Rosso 2000 for 1997 Vintage
Grapes Used : Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Lagrein

Sauvignon
Made from 100% Sauvignon grapes, hand picked and placed in small cases in order to keep the weight of the clusters at a minimum and not press out, and lose, any of the precious juice. Maceration of the grapes is brief and coldÉ3 hours at 10 degrees C. The grapes are soft pressed and the fermentation is done with a special selection of yeasts at a controlled temperature of 20 degrees C. The wine is then put into stainless steel to rest until the end of February.

The result is a beautiful straw colored wine with pale green hues. The aroma is intense and elegant with hints of melon, yellow pepper and tropical fruits. The flavor is dry, smooth and fresh. It is well balanced with a noble aromatic fruity after-taste reminiscent of pears and apricots.
Grape Used : Sauvignon Blanc