14 minute read
POUR
OFF THE VINE Italy's ALPINE Wines Wines from ALTO ADIGE are shaped by Alpine elevations and Adriatic breezes
By Mark Spivak
The wines of Alto Adige are not widely known in this country, which is probably a good thing: If Americans realized how special they are, you’d never be able to find them. At their best, they have vivid fruit, electric acidity, and a palate presence that is compelling and memorable.
Alto Adige (also known as Südtirol) is Italy’s northernmost wine region, located just below Austria. While white varieties predominate (notably Riesling, Sauvignon, Gewürztraminer, and of course Pinot Grigio), some excellent reds are also made. Most wineries are still familyowned, and this is an exciting time in the region, as a new generation is taking over at some of the area’s top properties.
Alois Lageder: Regarded by many as Alto Adige’s iconic winery, Alois Lageder was
established in 1823 and is managed by Alois Lageder, a descendent of the original founder. All three of his children are now involved, too: his successor Alois Clemens Lageder plus his daughters Anna (who coordinates special events) and Helena (who serves as brand ambassador). The family’s 135 acres of vineyards are farmed biodynamically, and the solar-powered winery is committed to sustainability.
Lageder’s large portfolio contains dozens of wines. He cultivates unique white-grape varieties such as Manzoni Bianco as well as regional specialties like Lagrein and Schiava. His best-known red is the Cor Römigberg Cabernet Sauvignon ($60), a complex, concentrated wine with exotic spice notes, supple tannins, and rich flavors of cherries and blackcurrants. (aloislageder.eu)
Tiefenbrunner: Founded in 1848, the winery is currently run by the fifth generation (Christof and Sabine) as the sixth (Johannes) studies winemaking in Germany while being groomed to take over the estate. Tiefenbrunner produces four distinct lines of wine, categorized according to the elevation, position, and quality of the vineyard site. At the top of the range is the Feldmarschall
Von Fenner Müller-Thurgau, which demonstrates exactly how good that grape variety can be in the right hands. The 2018 ($55) has an unctuous texture, sparkling acidity, accents of minerals and white pepper, and a long finish with echoes of stone fruits and quince. (tiefenbrunner.com)
Elena Walch: Julia and Karoline Walch are working alongside their mother, who was an architect before she founded the winery in 1988. She has assembled more than 100 acres of estate vineyards in prime locations to produce singlevarietal whites, blends, and reds. Her entry-level 2019 Gewürztraminer ($22) has a floral nose and an exotic range of tropical fruit, tinged with honeysuckle in a bone-dry texture. The 2018 Castel Ringberg Pinot Grigio ($26), from the largest single vineyard in Alto Adige, offers a rich and complex mix of citrus, peach, and minerals. In addition to indigenous red varieties, Walch also produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. (elenawalch.com)
Cantina Valle Isarco: Tucked away in the most northerly vineyard area of Alto Adige, this co-operative celebrates its sixtieth anniversary this year. The 130 growers farm predominantly white-wine grapes on their 350 acres. The modern winery facility at Chiusa is supervised by the young, dynamic winemaker Hannes Munter.
Because the co-operative is comparatively large, their wines are available at more U.S. retail outlets. The 2020 Pinot Grigio is fragrant and seductive, filled with ripe stone fruit on the palate; the crisp 2019 Sauvignon displays flavors of grapefruit and minerals in the mouth. For a change of pace, try the 2019 Kerner ($20), a hybrid created by crossing Riesling and Trollinger. Fresh and racy, its medium-bodied texture exhibits notes of citrus and apple along with hints of tropical «fruit. (kellerei-eisacktal.it)
Tiefenbrunner Vineyard (opposite page, top); Cor Römigberg Cabernet Sauvignon from Alois Lageder (opposite page, bottom); Elena Walch Vineyard (left); tasting at Cantina Valle Isarco (below).
Promotion and Events
OXBRIDGE ACADEMY
Oxbridge Academy has added seventh and eighth grades as we kick off our 2021-2022 school year. Like the upper school, Oxbridge Middle will deliver an exceptional educational experience by fostering personal discovery, integrating academics, the arts, athletics, and community service; and focusing on character building. The result: global citizens trained to tackle twenty-first century challenges.
3151 North Military Trail | West Palm Beach 561-972-9826 | oapb.org
Jayla Miranda of West Palm Beach and Leah Marino of Loxahatchee are members of the first class of seventh graders at Oxbridge Middle that opened in August.
AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOLS, PALM BEACH CAMPUS
Open House: October 19 (grades Pre-K 3-5) & October 23 (grades 6-12)
Ranked the number one private school in Palm Beach County by Niche and South Florida Business Journal, American Heritage Schools provide a rigorous and well-rounded college preparatory education with superior programs in academics, the arts, and athletics for students in Pre-K 3 through twelfth grades.
Its Lower School offers advanced courses, including the Stanford University math program for accelerated math students in grades four through six; 15 elective classes are also integrated into all students’ daily schedules.
Its Upper School offers 117 Honors courses, 24 Advanced Placement courses, 5 Pre-Professional Programs—pre-med, pre-law, pre-engineering, biomedical engineering, and business and entrepreneurship, and a Science Research Institute that solves real-world issues. More than 60 student-run clubs and honor societies are available at all grade levels.
Many of the accolades of American Heritage Schools include: number one private school in Palm Beach County for highest number of nationally recognized scholars; $28 million in college scholarships offered to the class of 2021; 90 percent passing rate on all Advanced Placement exams (58 percent passing rate in Florida; 64 percent passing rate globally); average AP test score is four; qualifiers for FIRST Robotics world competition six consecutive years; numerous fine arts awards at the national and state levels, including thespians, chorus, dance, and art.
$33,386 TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: No. 1 private high school in Palm Beach County for highest number of National Merit Scholars • No. 1 high school in Palm Beach County and No. 2 private high school in the United States in math competition • No. 1 high school in Palm Beach County in science fair competition • No. 1 mock trial and moot court teams in Palm Beach County • Top one percent in the U.S. in speech and debate
MEYER PREPARATORY
Meyer Preparatory School is a true educational gem. Meyer Prep students learn on a world-class campus featuring 3 stateof-the-art Innovation Labs, International Baccalaureate Middle School, rigorous secular and Judaic curricula, and outstanding extracurricular programming. Meyer Prep is excited to open the first Junior Kindergarten class this school year. Meyer graduates are accepted to their competitive high school programs of choice, prepared with the critical thinking skills, Jewish values, and confidence to lead throughout life. Meyer Prep’s legacy of excellence will extend through 12th grade with the future establishment of Meyer Prep High School in 2024! 5225 Hood Rd., Palm Beach Gardens.
H THE STATS H YEAR FOUNDED: 1973 GRADES SERVED: Junior K through 8th (Junior K through 12th grade as of August 2024) CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 155 STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 7:1 UNIFORMS REQUIRED? Yes TUITION:
$14,000 to $22,990 TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: International Baccalaureate World School • Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education • Hiddush Award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning • Scholastic Art and Writing Awards winners • No Excuse for Abuse Poster and Poem Contest winners
5225 Hood Road, Palm Beach Gardens • 561-686-6520 • meyerprep.org
OXBRIDGE ACADEMY
Now offering grades 7-12. Discover Oxbridge Academy by scheduling a campus tour. To schedule your visit, call 561-972-9826 or email admission@oapb.org.
Oxbridge Academy’s hands-on approach to education encourages students to pursue their passions— academic, athletic, and service—to reach their potential. Students benefit from small-class sizes, individual attention, a culture of respect, and a curriculum that focuses on academic needs while preparing graduates for an interconnected and evolving world. Signature programs include aviation classes using the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association STEM curriculum; Cambridge Scholars, a twoweek study abroad program at fabled Cambridge University; independent field research in partnership with internationally respected science and environmental organizations; and an artificial intelligence curriculum. With dozens of clubs and electives and 22 varsity and seven JV sports, community service, and athletics are intrinsic parts of an Oxbridge student’s educational experience. The result: 100 percent of Oxbridge graduates are accepted to, and prepared for, college. Tuition includes meals, books, and a learning support team available to all students in all subject areas. Financial aid is available.
H THE STATS H YEAR FOUNDED: 2011 GRADES SERVED: Grades 7 - 12 CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 500 STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 9:1 GRADUATION RATE: 100% UNIFORMS REQUIRED? Yes TUITION: $25,500 (middle school),
$34,800 (upper school) TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: The 2020 Pathfinder Awards for Computer Science • 2021 Pathfinder Award for Business • Green School of the Year Awards, 2011-2021 • 2019 Class 5A State Champions in Girls Basketball
THE BENJAMIN SCHOOL
Discover our two beautiful campuses by booking a tour today.
The Benjamin School is one of the nation’s premier independent day schools. Founded in 1960, the school promotes and helps to develop a set of values that includes a love of learning, personal responsibility, selfmotivation, concern for others, and a commitment to serve society.
Teachers inspire learners as young as 3 years old to challenge themselves and achieve more as they become their best selves. The Benjamin School nurtures a multitude of talents in each child and partners with parents to discover, apply, and celebrate each student’s unique gifts.
The Benjamin School’s dedicated teachers encourage students to think outside the box, problem solve, and explore an array of hands-on experiences, from academics to the visual and performing arts to athletics.
Early learners begin their educational journey in the lower school with core academic subjects as well as art, music, and the study of three world languages: French, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.
Lower school students enjoy the state-of-the-art Maglio Family STEM Center, where they can learn and grow in an inquiry-based laboratory setting.
When students enter the middle school, they are equipped with the tools to work both independently and collaboratively. The curriculum builds on foundational knowledge while emphasizing character development as a pillar of the middle school experience.
Students in grades 9 through 12 become part of the Benjamin upper school family, where boundless opportunities await them in the classroom, on the playing field, in the studio, on the stage, and in the community.
While the school’s academic program prepares students for the most selective colleges and universities in the nation, its College Counseling Office works closely with students to target institutions that best satisfy their individual aspirations. Students graduate with the confidence and humanity to become global citizens and community leaders.
$32,655 TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: 17 Cum Laude Society Inductees in 2021 • Palm Beach Dramaworks Young Playwrights Winner • National Speech and Debate Association Academic All American Award • American Scholastic Press Association 1st Place Winner • Florida Scholastic Press Association All-Florida Honors in every category and overall Gold Medal
PALM BEACH DAY ACADEMY
Email admission@pbday.org or call us at 561-832-8815 to schedule your private tour of Palm Beach Day Academy today!
Palm Beach Day Academy students experience a school culture that expects and honors personal effort, achievement, and character. Students are taught the value of sustained effort, focused thinking, open-mindedness, and consideration for others. They do not simply attend school; they gain an enduring confidence that will allow them to speak up, attempt more, show compassion, question, and adapt to all challenges in an ever-changing world. Our faculty are committed to finding the proper balance of nurturing support and challenging academics for each child. Their dedication extends well beyond the classroom to enrichment, arts, athletics, and extra help. PBDA is regarded as a welcoming “family” school with a motto of “Work Hard. Be Kind.” It is a characterization that is more than a slogan; it’s lived by the children, teachers, and parents at PBDA.
(need-based financial assistance available for grades K-9) TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: Florida’s first independent school • Annual recipient of FAU’s Green School of Excellence award since program’s inauguration in 2008 • Accredited by Florida Council of Independent Schools
241 Seaview Avenue, Palm Beach • 561-832-8815 • admission@pbday.org • pbday.org
THE PINE SCHOOL
Campus Tours: Campus tours are always available.
The Pine School is dedicated to providing the most robust K-12 educational offering on the Treasure Coast. Our small size and careful attention to detail allows us to develop a unique path for each and every student we have the privilege to educate. We are a school of academic innovation — with celebrated educators dedicated to developing a true love of learning. Our students graduate with tremendous communication and creative problemsolving skills, as well as an impressive empathy for the world beyond our picturesque, 174acre campus (the largest independent campus in Florida). Our unique programming features a range of specially designed focuses including environmental education, Beyond-TheClassroom travel opportunities, inspiring arts, and competitive athletics.
The Pine School’s new Arts & Athletic Complex (under construction now) - will provide a permanent stage, a beautiful art gallery, dedicated music classrooms, additional athletic space, and opportunities to host community events.
The Pine School / One School. Endless Possibilities.
H THE STATS H YEAR FOUNDED: 1969 GRADES SERVED: Kindergarten - Grade 12 CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 370 STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 11:1 GRADUATION RATE: 100% UNIFORMS REQUIRED? Yes TUITION: Flexible Tuition Program
TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS: National and local environmental awards • The only school in Florida to receive a prestigious Lemelson-MIT Foundation grant • Student-artists recognized nationally; athletic state champions
ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
St. Mark’s offers personalized campus tours by appointment. Grade level previews are planned for November 2021.
St. Mark’s Episcopal School is the premier standard for PK2 through grade 8 education inspiring diverse, well-rounded, and adaptable students to achieve, serve, and lead.
St. Mark’s offers a safe and welcoming community for children of all faiths. St. Mark’s gracefully integrates the development of faith and character into its educational experience. In church, in the classroom, and in service to the community, students have genuine opportunities to grow intellectually and spiritually.
Dedicated teachers cultivate the best in each child through nurture and challenge. Small class sizes allow educators to be responsive and provide personal attention as well as build strong partnerships with school families.
St. Mark’s offers a balance of enriched core academics, tradition, and innovation. A variety of electives, athletic offerings, fine and performing arts, and a robust after-school program helps students build on their individual interests. St. Mark’s students are happy; they are talented and motivated; and they are intellectually curious.
With a focus on educating the whole child, every aspect of the school’s dynamic experience is structured to provide students with confidence, values, habits, skills, and knowledge to succeed in high school and beyond. St. Mark’s understands the importance of preparing students for life in a rapidly changing world, and graduates gain admission to top area high schools.
H THE STATS H YEAR FOUNDED: 1979 GRADES SERVED: PK2 – Grade 8 CURRENT ENROLLMENT: 440 STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO: 8:1 UNIFORMS REQUIRED? Yes TUITION: $7,083 to $19,272 TOP AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS:
4,440 community service hours served by 8th grade class of 2021 • 47 President’s Volunteer Service Awards • 39 4th-to-6th graders and 34 7th graders qualified for Duke University’s Talent Identification Program • 4 championship sport teams • 1st place: Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) writing award • 1st place: Fellowship of Christian and Jews art award
