Muri-Gries

The site now occupied by Muri-Gries was originally constructed as a fortress in the late eleventh century. It was converted into a monastery in the fourteenth century and later operated as an Augustinian house before falling into disuse. In 1845, Benedictine monks expelled from the Abbey of Muri in Switzerland arrived and took over the abandoned complex, establishing the community that continues to this day. Commercial DOC wine production began in 1947, making Muri-Gries one of the earlier certified producers in the region. A pivotal strategic decision came in 1985, when the monastery shifted its primary focus to Lagrein, the indigenous red grape that has since defined its identity.

• Originally a fortress built in the late eleventh century
• Benedictine monks from Muri, Switzerland established the current community in 1845
• DOC certification and commercial production began in 1947
• Lagrein became the declared flagship variety in 1985

Muri-Gries farms approximately 35 hectares of vineyards across two geographically distinct zones. The vineyards in the Bolzano basin focus on red varieties, principally Lagrein, and benefit from warm, sun-blessed conditions with soils of quartz porphyry, calcareous gravel, and alluvial material deposited by the River Talfer. The second zone, in Oltradige near Appiano, sits on hillside sites better suited to white varieties. The monastery's most prized parcel is Klosteranger, a 2.7-hectare vineyard enclosed and protected by the ancient monastery walls themselves.

• Two vineyard zones: Bolzano basin for reds, Oltradige hillsides in Appiano for whites
• Soils include quartz porphyry, calcareous gravel, and Talfer river alluvium
• Klosteranger, at 2.7 hectares, is the flagship vineyard sheltered by monastery walls
• Warm, sunny microclimate in the Bolzano basin favors full ripening of Lagrein

Lagrein sits at the heart of the Muri-Gries range, produced in both a younger, approachable style and as a Riserva built for longer cellaring. Beyond Lagrein, the estate produces white wines from Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Müller-Thurgau, alongside Schiava, Pinot Noir, Moscato Rosa, and the local Vernatsch and Trollinger varieties. The premium Abtei Muri tier, launched in 1989, draws from the estate's most carefully selected fruit. All grapes are harvested by hand, and the winery pairs these traditional practices with modern cellar technology.

• Lagrein produced in both standard and Riserva styles for extended aging
• Abtei Muri prestige line produced from selected grapes since 1989
• Full portfolio spans reds, whites, rosé, and dessert wines
• Hand harvesting combined with modern cellar technology throughout

Christian Werth served as head winemaker at Muri-Gries for more than 36 years, building the estate's international reputation and overseeing the consolidation of Lagrein as its defining wine. He stepped down in 2025, and Manfred Bernard assumed responsibility for the cellar. The transition marks a generational shift at one of Alto Adige's most storied addresses, though the monastery's guiding philosophy of combining spiritual life with serious, quality-focused viticulture remains unchanged.

• Christian Werth led winemaking for over 36 years until 2025
• Manfred Bernard became winemaker in 2025
• The estate continues to balance monastic tradition with professional modern winemaking