Kohl Mountain Apple Juice

Kohl Mountain Apple Juice — single-varietal direct juices from South Tyrol

Kohl mountain apple juice from South Tyrol is one of the German-speaking region's benchmarks for single-varietal apple juice. On the Troidner Hof in Ritten, a high plateau near Bolzano at an altitude of around 900 meters, Thomas Kohl cultivates apple varieties that are hardly found in commercial orchards anymore: Pinova, Gravensteiner, Jonagold, Elstar, Rubinette, Wintercalville, Ananasrenette. Each variety produces its own juice — and the difference from variety to variety is noticeable in the glass.

The Troidner Hof in Ritten — 900 meters above sea level

Ritten is a high plateau in the north of South Tyrol, south of the Schlern, with a view of the Dolomites. The altitude profile and the associated cooler microclimate give the mountain apples a distinct acid structure and concentrated aromas that cannot develop in lower altitudes. Thomas Kohl once persuaded his father to grow apples at this altitude — an altitude that is unusual for apple orchards and was considered too cold at the time. Today, exactly this altitude provides the character that makes Kohl's juices unique. The apples are picked by hand, gently pressed the next morning, briefly pasteurized and bottled in clear bottles.

Awards

At the industry competition "Mostbarkeiten," Kohl was awarded the national victory in the Pinova category in 2019, and in the blueberry category in 2020. These awards stand for the artisanal precision of the juices and the consistent preference for single-varietal pressing.

Kohl's Lines

Single-varietal mountain apple juice. The main line includes single-varietal apple juices from Pinova, Gravensteiner, Jonagold, Rubinette, Sonnenglanz, and Rouge. Each variety has its own character: Pinova brings a smooth, full-fruity sweetness, Gravensteiner shows a strong acidity and unmistakable aroma, Jonagold is balanced and harmonious, Rouge — an apple variety with red flesh — naturally colors the juice rosé.

Apple Cuvées (Essence). Mountain apple juice, combined with a second component: apricot, peach, pear, wild blueberry, carrot, tangerine, elderflower, apple mint, currant, hops, pineapple. Each cuvée is dosed so that the apple character is preserved and the addition expands the aroma.

Magnum varieties. For special occasions, Kohl offers selected mountain apples as Magnum (1.5 liters) — Ananasrenette and Wintercalville. These old varieties have practically disappeared from commercial cultivation and are only available through direct juice manufacturers like Kohl.

Karlo Sparkling. A sparkling apple juice with carbonation — intended as a non-alcoholic aperitif alternative and on par with non-alcoholic sparkling wine in a champagne flute.

Calidum. A non-alcoholic apple and elderberry punch for the cold season — drunk warm, it's the juicy answer to classic mulled wine.

What to use Kohl juices for

• As a non-alcoholic accompaniment to a meal — Pinova with fish, Jonagold with pork, Gravensteiner with vegetable dishes
• As a breakfast drink — the difference to industrial juice is noticeable from the first sip
• As an aperitif pure, well chilled in a wine glass
• As a gift in the sample pack — the 12-packs and sample sets are popular gifts for connoisseurs
• As a Karlo aperitif for weddings and anniversaries — sparkling, non-alcoholic, with premium appeal
• As Calidum punch in winter — a non-alcoholic alternative to mulled wine

Frequently Asked Questions about Kohl Mountain Apple Juice

What distinguishes a Kohl mountain apple juice from an industrial apple juice?
Three things: first, the variety — Kohl works with single-varietal, old varieties such as Pinova or Gravensteiner, while an industrial juice mixes different apple varieties. Second, the altitude — the mountain apples from Ritten have more aroma and more acidity due to the cooler climate than valley apples. Third, the process — Kohl presses directly after harvesting without a concentrate step. You can taste all three differences in the glass.

Are Kohl juices naturally cloudy?
The mountain apple juices and cuvées are generally naturally cloudy — the fine fruit fibers remain in the juice and contribute to the aroma. An unopened bottle may settle at the bottom; once shaken before opening, the fibers will redistribute evenly.

Which Kohl juice is suitable for children?
Single-varietal, less acidic varieties such as Pinova or Sonnenglanz are particularly popular with children. The cuvées with pear or peach are also suitable — the fruitiness overlays the acidity of the apple. Kohl refrains from adding sugar, so the natural fruit sugar of the source provides the sweetness.

How long does an opened Kohl direct juice last?
An opened bottle lasts about five to seven days in the refrigerator. An unopened bottle, stored in a dark, cool place, lasts about twelve to eighteen months. The juice tastes best on the day it is opened and the day after.

Mountain apple juice from South Tyrol — single-varietal, gently pressed, with the character that only 900 meters above sea level can give.