Alto Adige DOC

TheAlto Adige DOC (in German Südtirol DOC) is one of the most prestigious and best-known appellations in Italy for the production of top-quality white and red wines. Established in 1975, this DOC covers the entire wine-growing area of the autonomous province of Bolzano and represents a mosaic of micro-zones and grape varieties, characterised by varying altitudes, wide temperature swings and complex soils.

The strength of the Alto Adige DOC lies in its extraordinary variety and in the ability to express freshness, elegance and aromatic precision, both in the whites and in the reds.

Production area

  • Region: Trentino-Alto Adige

  • Province: Bolzano (the whole province is included in the DOC)

  • Altitudes: from 200 m to the 1000 m above sea level

  • Climate: Alpine with strong Mediterranean influences

  • Soils: alluvial, morainic, limestone, porphyry

Permitted grape varieties

Whites Reds
Pinot Bianco, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Müller-Thurgau, Sylvaner, Kerner, Riesling Schiava (Vernatsch), Lagrein, Pinot Nero, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc

Important: Each variety can be stated on the label if it makes up at least 85% of the wine.

Types of wine

  • Alto Adige Bianco DOC (also blends of several varieties)

  • Varietal wines: Pinot Bianco Alto Adige DOC, Sauvignon Alto Adige DOC, etc.

  • Alto Adige Rosso DOC

  • Alto Adige Spumante DOC (traditional method)

As well as more specific geographical designations such as:

Typical sensory profile

Whites:

  • Colour: bright straw yellow

  • Aromas: white flowers, green apple, citrus, tropical fruit, mineral notes

  • Palate: fresh, savoury, elegant, at times with hints of sweet spice in the more complex examples

Reds:

  • Colour: pale ruby (Schiava) or deeper (Lagrein, Pinot Nero)

  • Aromas: red fruits, violet, black pepper, earthy notes

  • Palate: from fresh and easy-drinking (Schiava) to full, spicy and structured (Lagrein, Pinot Nero)

Food pairings

  • Whites: seafood starters, sushi, gourmet salads, first courses with vegetables

  • Light reds (Schiava, Pinot Nero): white meat, speck, fresh cheeses

  • Structured reds (Lagrein, Cabernet): game, roasts, braised meats, aged cheeses

Why choose an Alto Adige DOC wine?

Winemaking excellence among the most award-winning in Italy and in the world
A wide choice of indigenous and international grape varieties
Alpine freshness combined with concentration and aromatic precision
Wines food-friendly, elegant and long-lived

Alto Adige DOC: My personal top three

  • 1
    Chardonnay 'Lafoa' 2022 - Colterenzio

    Chardonnay 'Lafoa' 2022 - Colterenzio

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Cornaiano e Appiano, Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige
    Discover this wine
  • 2
    Zweigelt 2023 - Radoar

    Zweigelt 2023 - Radoar

    • Type: Red Wine
    • Region: Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Val d’Isarco
    Discover this wine
  • 3
    Alto Adige Sauvignon DOC 2023 - Cantina Tramin

    Alto Adige Sauvignon DOC 2023 - Cantina Tramin

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Italy, Termeno, Trentino-Alto Adige
    Discover this wine

All those I have tried