Ticino

The 2.0-hectare Cantina Silbernagl, owned by Andrea Silbernagl, was established in 2012.  It is situated in Brusata di Novazzano, a municipality in the canton of Ticino, Switzerland.  Silbernagl is one of the lesser-known wineries in Ticino, but their wines are just as noteworthy.  They produce monovarietal wines made from Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Bondola, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.  There is also a production of verjuice, must, wine, and grappa from Bio Suisse certified Isabella grapes.

The family owns parcels in Sottoceneri that are planted mainly with Merlot.  The plots are situated on the hills of glacial origin of the Mendrisiotto, with the Generoso mountain towering in the background.  The wines from this area have a vibrant, mineral core with pure fruit expression.

In the cellar, Andrea has a “less is more” approach when it comes to vinifying his fresh, expressive wines.  The steel barrels are 100, 150, 500, and 1,000 liters, while the wooden barrels are 228 liters barriques and the anfora are 250 liters.  The wine is vinified by gravity.  The distillation is carried out with a 150 liter bain-marie copper alembic.  Only one-piece stoppers of natural cork are used.

Appellation: Ticino DOC

Grape Variety: 100% Merlot. The grapes are grown in the village of Brusata, in the region of Mendrisiotto, Ticino, Switzerland.

Vinification: Traditional blanc de noir vinification in stainless steel tanks, only by gravity. Filtered before bottling.

Aging: Aged in stainless steel barrel.

Alcohol: 11.8%

Tasting Notes: Intense, straw yellow color. Floral with a note of citrus, and dry on the finish. Round and very elegant.

Storage: Store the bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place; the ideal temperature is a constant 16°C.

Appellation: Ticino DOC

Grape Variety: 100% Merlot.  Coming from a very small production, this wine is the fruit of a single plot, grapes grown in the village of Brusata, in the region of Mendrisiotto, Ticino, Switzerland.

Vinification: Traditional vinification in stainless steel tanks, only by gravity.

Aging: Aged in stainless steel barrel. Filtered before bottling.

Alcohol: 13.0%

Storage: Store the bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place; the ideal temperature is a constant 16°C.

Tasting Notes: Intense garnet red color with a light garnet red reflection. Ripe, fruity notes in the bouquet. Notes of spice and juicy dark fruit and berries on the palate with a dry finish. This is a round and elegant Merlot.

Appellation: Ticino DOC

Grape Variety: 100% Bondola (grape variety native to Ticino). Grapes grown in the village of Brusata, in the region of Mendrisiotto, Ticino, Switzerland.

Vinification: Traditional vinification in stainless steel tanks, only by gravity.

Aging: Aged in stainless steel barrel. Filtered before bottling.

Alcohol: 11.5%

Storage: Store the bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place; the ideal temperature is a constant 16°C.

Tasting Notes: Garnet color with an intense violet reflection. The Bondola is fresh with notes of ripe raspberry and a hint of spice. Dry finish. Rustic, and at the same time very elegant.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with bread, cheese, salami and pickles.