In the series »Auf ein Glas« the Hanseatic wine house Tesdorpf presents interesting personalities from the world of wines and culinary. Here is the translation of the interview with Thomas Rottensteiner.
Please introduce yourself briefly at the beginning with two sentences.
I am a fifth generation vintner in the heart of the wine-growing area South Tyrol. The native wine culture brings me joy and I try to live it in the balance of the natural cycle of the vineyards and at the family estate.
My path to wine was…
…laid in the cradle, all great-grandfathers had vineyards. In addition, the education and the collegial network among independent winegrowers are my foundation and motivation.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Working outdoors with the vines and olive trees and the conversion to organic viticulture.
What is special about your wine estate?
The precious local red wine varieties prudently cultivated in the middle of our alpine region and the joy and fun of producing and drinking wine in our family.
What food do you recommend with your “Lagrein Riserva Grafenleiten”?
Juicy venison loin with a suitable side dish, even better by an open fire.
Do you have a restaurant recommendation in your wine-growing region for our readers?
Restaurant Löwengrube in the old town of Bozen/Bolzano: e.g. Dry aged T-bone steak with a well aged wine from the house cellar on the recommendation of Chef Michi.
My most beautiful wine moment was….
to enjoy our Lagrein Riserva Grafenleiten 2000 Magnum after 20 years with a filet together with friends as an outstanding great wine.
My first wine that I can remember is
the Super Tuscan Masseto Bolgheri Merlot that a friend donated at a dinner many years ago at the Hidalgo restaurant in Burgstall. Thank you Günther.
I would love to have a wine with this person sometime:
Reinhold Messner to talk with him about the mountains.
What is the perfect wine for enjoying a warm summer evening?
A St. Magdalener on the Rocks (iced) at about 12°C on the terrace with a light breeze, at our place in the Bolzano valley basin coming from the Eisack valley.
What are you passionate about apart from wine?
The South Tyrolean mountains. On weekends, mountaineering brings me a lot of joy and in the hours away from the hectic world I can examine my goals and set them better.
What music plays for you on a relaxing evening with wine?
Chill/lounge deep house, i.e. relaxing electronic music, like you know from good wine bars.
What could you not be without in your life?
Good food, including a good glass of wine; I’m lucky to be able to enjoy this so often.
