Franz Haas

Franz Haas is a producer in Montagna, Bolzano, where the family has grown grapes for generations. What sets Franz Haas apart is a commitment to preserving fruit purity during winemaking—so much so that he became one of Italy's first producers to bottle the entire range under screwcap from 2018 onwards, safeguarding aromatic quality. The result: wines with character, purity and balance that punch well above their regional designation.

About Franz Haas

The Haas family vineyard story stretches back generations in the Montagna region of Bolzano, but it was Franz himself who transformed grape-growing into serious winemaking. Trained at Geisenheim in Germany and experienced as a broker of Italian wines in the German market, Franz brought both technical knowledge and market insight when he took over the family business. His philosophy was uncompromising: tremendous lengths to grow quality grapes, then preserve those flavours scrupulously during production.

This approach meant rethinking conventional practices. Recognising that cork can oxidise wine and diminish aromatic freshness, Franz made the bold decision to adopt screwcap closure across the entire range from the 2018 vintage onwards—a revolutionary move for an Italian estate at the time. The decision prioritises what's in the bottle over tradition, and it works. His wines emerge with remarkable purity and varietal definition, unmasked by oxidation or cork taint.

The vineyard sits at elevation in the Alto Adige, where cool nights and Alpine influence create conditions suited to aromatic white varieties and delicate reds. Franz's own preference was for wines that expressed their fruit without heavy oak or extraction, allowing the terroir and grape character to speak clearly on the palate. This restraint—knowing when to use oak subtly, as in his whites, and when to let the fruit lead—defines the house style.

Franz Haas Wines in Our Collection

The range opens with the 2025 Dolomiti Pinot Grigio (92 pts), a classic expression: crisp, green and flinty, with the freshness that screwcap closure preserves beautifully. For those seeking more texture, the 2024 Lepus Pinot Bianco (92 pts) delivers greater complexity without sacrificing the saline minerality the region is known for.

The 2024 Gewürztraminer (92 pts, James Suckling and Falstaff) showcases the aromatic potential of Alto Adige: floral and spiced, yet balanced and dry rather than confected. For serious drinking, the 2024 Schweizer Manna (92 pts) is the flagship—a white blend combining Kerner, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc that has been barrel-fermented, and Chardonnay aged in barrel. Rich, complex and built for ageing, it stands among Italy's finest whites, blending aromatic brightness with depth and texture from subtle oak treatment.

In red, the 2023 Pinot Nero (92 pts) is light in colour yet full of varietal character: perfumed, silky and tannic without harshness.

Food Pairing

The Pinot Grigio cuts through seafood pasta and fresh fish simply dressed. The Lepus Bianco suits richer fish dishes, risotto, or creamy chicken. Gewürztraminer pairs wonderfully with spiced dishes, Asian cuisine and pâté. The Schweizer Manna commands roasted poultry, cured meats and soft cheeses. Pinot Nero is at home with game birds, mushroom-based dishes, and the lighter end of meat cooking—think venison loin or duck breast rather than heavy stews.

Why does Franz Haas use screwcaps instead of cork?

Franz adopted screwcap closure from 2018 onwards to preserve aromatic quality and prevent oxidation. This protects the fruit purity that defines the house style, a pioneering decision for Italian producers.

What makes Franz Haas Pinot Nero different from other Italian versions?

It is light in colour yet bursting with varietal character, offering lovely tannic structure and perfumed aromatics. The screwcap closure ensures these delicate qualities remain intact from bottling to glass.

Is Schweizer Manna worth ageing?

Yes. This white blend of Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Kerner and Sauvignon Blanc is rich, complex and built for ageing. It ranks among Italy's finest whites and develops further in bottle.

Who makes Franz Haas wines?

Franz Haas, trained at Geisenheim in Germany, transformed his family's vineyard in Montagna, Bolzano, into a serious winemaking operation. The family has grown grapes there for generations.

What style of wine does Franz Haas make?

Franz Haas specialises in aromatic whites—Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Gewürztraminer—and delicate reds like Pinot Nero, all marked by fruit purity and minimal oak. Critics score his wines at 92–95 points.

How much does Franz Haas wine cost?

Prices range between £16.75 and £114.25. Entry-level whites start around £17; mid-range bottles sit between £21–32; premium single-vineyard reds reach £43–£114.