INTRODUCING: A KIND OF WINE

Introducing: A KIND OF WINE

October 13th 2024

Introducing A KIND OF WINE. Simply put, it is a biodynamic and natural wine project by our sister company AKOG HOTEL GROUP. For each edition, we collaborate with a different European winemaker and artist who share our commitment to quality and craftsmanship, ensuring that every bottle reflects our shared ethos.

But there’s more to it. After our trip to Georgia in 2021, where we collaborated with a Georgian winemaker to create an orange wine, we were deeply inspired by the country’s unique wine and hospitality culture. The way people come together to share long conversations, cook, and enjoy delicious food left a lasting impression on us. This spirit of connection is at the heart of what we value at A KIND OF GUISE and AKOG HOTEL GROUP. It led us to launch our community series, Pappagorgia, this past September at Villa Arnica in South Tyrol for the first time. The natural progression from this was the birth of A KIND OF WINE. We look forward to collaborating with passionate winemakers, and we’re excited to introduce you to the people behind the wines and their stories. Since wine is meant to be shared, we hope this project fosters togetherness, meaningful exchanges, and perhaps even helps to slow down the pace of everyday life. Expect limited batches in collaboration with European winemakers who share our commitment to quality over the coming year and beyond, along with related events designed to bring the AKOG community together. Stay tuned!

BATCH 01

For our inaugural release, we present a sparkling Rosé from winemaker Pranzegg in South Tyrol, Italy, featuring artwork by Jonathan Niclaus, with who we been working together for many years for different projects. Pranzegg is a biodynamic farm run by Martin and Marion, who consider themselves ambassadors of nature. Our first batch is a Rosé, a Pet Nat/Ancestral blend of two local South Tyrolean red grape varieties: Vernatsch (10%) and Lagrein (90%). The 2023 vintage comes from mature vines and offers a fresh, fruity profile with notes of red fruit, yeast, and herbs. Vernatsch (10%): This late-ripening German/Italian grape produces a light wine with moderate tannins, floral tones, and fresh berry flavors. Lagrein (90%): Known as the most characteristic grape of South Tyrol, Lagrein delivers flavors of berries, cocoa, pepper, and sweet spices. It is related to Pinot Noir but has more structure and color. The wine undergoes a 36-hour maceration, adding unique funk and character. It is produced using the ancestral method with no disgorgement, which may result in significant bubbles and pressure upon opening. Expect a hint of yeastiness from this traditional process.

OFFICIAL RELEASE
Munich & Berlin Store: Saturday, 19th of October.
Online Store: Sunday, 20th of October, 8pm CET

Interview with Martin from Pranzegg.

What inspired you to pursue natural winemaking, and how does it align with your personal values?

I like being in nature and in the vineyard. The vineyard is a cultural place, created by man. The combination of nature and culture fascinates me. In my area, on my farm, I can best realize myself through the production of natural wines.

Can you describe your approach to vineyard management and how it differs from conventional methods?

As a family of winegrowers, we treat the vineyard with great respect. We want to protect the soil, not use any synthetic agents, fertilizers or substances and ensure that we increase the vitality of the soil. We want to build up humus instead of overexploiting nature, as happens in conventional agriculture.

What challenges do you face in natural winemaking, and how do you overcome them?

We have to pay much more attention to the vines and subsequently the grapes. These are the basis for producing vibrant wines. In winemaking, which we do without technical aids and additives, you have to work, taste and plan very precisely and cleanly. It sounds unromantic, but it’s true. Natural wine is not a product of chance, but the result of meticulous work, great sensitivity and the courage to allow the natural processes of winemaking to take place.

How does the unique terroir of your vineyard influence the character of your wines?

Very strongly! Terroir is the interplay of the place, the people, the vines and the vintage. Many variables, but also many constants that continue to develop. Living wine can never taste the same every year. That is an invention of the wine industry!

How do you balance tradition and innovation in your winemaking process?

Tradition always sounds like inflexibility. But that is not the case. Based on a tradition that predates the advent of the industrial wine industry in the mid-20th century, we are also evolving. We are more precise in the harvest, the selection of grapes, the processes in the cellar and the analysis. But we are not losing touch with the soil, the roots. Both are possible: innovative tradition!

What makes the A KIND OF WINE 01 so special?

A Kind of Wine 01 is a wine that combines tradition and innovation! An original, indigenous grape variety (Lagrein) from the Alps meets a production method that is unusual in our region. Sparkling wine production, not as an elitist sparkling wine, but as a modern, rustic Frizzante rosato on the lees. If that’s nothing special…

What would you pair A KIND OF WINE 01 with?

Aperitivo, with bruschetta, pomodori and burrata, with a barbecue and also as a sorbet wine between meals. The wild strawberries, redcurrants and ripe wild plums give plenty of scope in combination with spice, freshness and acidity in the mouth. Simply chill well, open and drink!

Your cart is empty

YOUR CART

SUBTOTAL