Teamwork – A few harmless flakes working together can unleash an avalanche of impact. And that’s exactly what the cooperative of 224 family grape growers are doing in this region of northern Italy that borders both Switzerland and Austria. Individually, these small growers couldn’t compete with the biggest producers in Italy but, collectively, they are able to grow higher quality grapes that can easily throw hands with those behemoths. Cantina Bolzano pools these magnificent grapes together to produce its wine. One result: this beautiful blend of local varieties, Lagrein and Vernatsch. If it wasn’t for these small growers cooperating with each other, these two relatively obscure grapes would probably fade into oblivion. Lagrein gives this cuvée a fair amount of tannic structure while the cotton candy flavor of the Vernatsch lightens the drinking experience in a way that could even be savored through a beer bong. Teamwork makes the dream work!