TASTE AN ALMOST EXTINCT GRAPE VARIETY, PRODUCED FROM A 350-YEAR-OLD VINE AT THE SOUTH TYROLEAN SISSI GARDENS AT CASTEL TRAUTTMANSDORFF... THE HOLIDAY PACKAGE “GARDENS AND WINE” (IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER)

Tasting wine from an almost extinct grape variety, produced by a 350 year old vine? Just visit the Sissi Gardens (info: www.giardinidisissi.it), at Castel Trauttmansdorf in the village of Tesimo, a small town halfway between Bolzano and Merano. This unique opportunity is offered in September and October, when possible. Not only will you be able to marvel at the ultra centenary vines but also taste the precious wine made from the Versoaln grapes. The ancient and almost extinct grape is from Val Venosta.
The vine kept in the Sissi Gardens in Castel Trauttmansdorf, 600 meters above sea level, is now considered a natural monument and cultural heritage of South Tyrol. Recent research has established that the vine is more than 350 years old and its branches stretch over 350 square meters. The plant produces small bunches of grapes with medium size transparent berry giving a fruity white wine with green reflections, of delicate structure and an accentuated acidity.
The Laimburg Cellar of the Territorial Farm in the Agriculture and Forestry Experimentation Center produces the wine. Only a few hundred bottles are produced per year and it can be bought directly at the Castle (cost: about 20 euros.)

Focus - The origin of the name “Versoaln”
There are various versions regarding the origins of the name “Versoaln”, the ancient vine originating in Val Venosta. The most accepted version refers to the location of the vineyards, usually located in places difficult to grow, forcing the farmers to transport the grapes harvested in baskets held by ropes. In the regional dialect, the word “Versoaln” in fact means “secure with ropes”.

Focus – Tabernaculum containing a 7,000-year-old grape seed
Visitors to the Gardens, besides visiting the local vineyards in South Tyrol, also have access to the display of ancient seeds found at the South Tyrol Laimburg dating back to 2,400 years ago. In the Tabernaculum you can admire a copy made in gold of an extraordinary 7,000 year old grape seed! The grape seed, which came from Georgia, a country of ancient and illustrious wine making tradition, was donated to the Gardens by the National Museum in Tbilisi.

Info: Package “Gardens & Wine”: 30 euros
Castle Trauttmansdorff Gardens
Tel: 0473/235 730
Email: botanica@provinz.bz.it
Minimum: 5 people
“Giardini di Sissi” in Castel Trauttmansdorff
Via S. Valentino, 51 a
39012 Merano
Toll Free: 848 694 699
www.giardinidisissi.it