Pixner Winery
In the Val di Cembra, Trentino
Since 2022, South Tyroleans Markus Scarizuola and Siegfried Pixner have been running the historic winery set amidst the vineyards that surround the ‘Toresela’ tower.
On the steep vineyard slopes above Cembra, at around 650 metres above sea level, Müller-Thurgau and Schiava vines thrive. Some of the vines are up to 65 years old, producing wines distinguished by their minerality, freshness and strong sense of place.
Müller-Thurgau is crafted into a crisp, mountain-fresh white wine, while Schiava gives rise to an elegant red wine. Part of the Schiava harvest is also transformed into a refined rosé sparkling wine using the traditional Metodo Classico.
Terroir
The Toresela and the Val di Cembra
The Toresela, an 18th-century tower, originally formed part of the estate of the Conte Maffei family and was connected to the nearby Palazzo Maffei. Perched on a ridge above the vineyards, it was strategically positioned and still commands sweeping views over the Val di Cembra and its terraced slopes.
The renowned terraced vineyards of the Val di Cembra surround the Toresela. Over centuries, the steep hillsides have been shaped by countless dry-stone walls, creating one of Trentino’s most remarkable cultural landscapes. As the terrain remains extremely challenging, much of the work is still carried out by hand, making the region a classic example of so-called heroic viticulture.
Most vineyards are situated between 500 and 800 metres above sea level. To preserve the unique character of this landscape, even newly built dry-stone walls must be constructed using natural stone. In this way, the historic appearance of the terraced vineyards is carefully preserved for future generations.
FAQ
About the winery and its wines
Where is Pixner Winery located?
The winery is situated above Cembra in the Val di Cembra, Trentino, surrounded by the region’s historic terraced vineyards.
Which grape varieties are grown?
The vineyards are planted primarily with Müller-Thurgau and Schiava.
What makes the Val di Cembra special?
The valley is renowned for its steep terraced vineyards, traditional dry-stone walls and its long-standing tradition of heroic viticulture.
How high are the vineyards?
The vineyards surrounding the Toresela are located at approximately 650 metres above sea level.
What does “Metodo Classico” mean?
Metodo Classico is the traditional method of producing sparkling wine, in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle.
Why is the sparkling wine called Maleen?
The sparkling wine is named after Maleen, the granddaughter of Markus Scarizuola. The name also has a symbolic connection to the historic Toresela. Maleen is considered a variant of Magdalena, meaning “the woman from Magdala”. The place name Magdala is derived from a Hebrew or Aramaic word meaning “tower”, creating a meaningful link to the Toresela itself.