Alto Adige and its wines

TheAlto Adige (Südtirol) is one of the most fascinating and varied wine regions ofItaly, in the northernmost part of the country, on the border with Austria and Switzerland.
Viticulture develops along the valleys of theAdige, Isarco and Rotaliana, with vineyards ranging from 200 up to over 1.000 metres above sea level, in a unique alpine setting.

The area

The area is marked by wide temperature swings, abundant sunshine and varied soils (volcanic porphyry, limestone, clay, morainic sand), which give rise to wines of extraordinary aromatic precision, freshness and longevity.

Alto Adige is also a cultural crossroads: its winemaking reflects the tradition Italian, German and Ladin, with a mosaic of indigenous and international grape varieties.

What is the Alto Adige wine district?

The DOC Alto Adige (Südtirol), established in 1975, covers the whole autonomous province of Bolzano and is divided into several subzones and geographical mentions, including:

• Valle Isarco (Eisacktal DOC)

• Oltradige (Überetsch)

• Bassa Atesina (Unterland)

• Merano (Meraner DOC)

• Val Venosta (Vinschgau DOC)

• Santa Maddalena (St. Magdalener DOC)

• Colli di Bolzano (Bozner Leiten DOC)

• Lago di Caldaro (Kalterersee DOC)

Characteristics of Alto Adige Wines

Colour

• Whites: Bright straw yellow, often with greenish highlights

• Reds: Lively ruby, turning garnet in the more structured wines

Aromas

• Whites: Wild flowers, green apple, citrus, alpine herbs

• Reds: Berries, cherry, sweet spices, violet

• Developed: Mineral and smoky notes, honey and petrol in the Riesling wines

Palate

• Fresh and Vertical: Bright acidity, medium body

• Mineral and Elegant: A clear local imprint

• Long-lived: Excellent ageing capacity in the best whites and reds

Typical Grape Varieties of Alto Adige

White Grape

• Gewürztraminer: Aromatic, spicy, round

• Pinot Grigio and Pinot Bianco: Elegant and fresh

• Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc: Precise and mineral

• Müller-Thurgau, Sylvaner, Kerner, Riesling, Veltliner (in the higher valleys)

Black Grape

• Schiava (Vernatsch): Light, fragrant, typical of Lago di Caldaro

• Lagrein: Structured, spicy, velvety

• Pinot Nero: Among the best in Italy, elegant and fine

• Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon: Used above all in the Bassa Atesina

Why choose a wine from Alto Adige?

• Fresh, aromatic whites, among the best in Europe

• Elegant or structured reds, with a strong local identity

• Broad a diversity of grape varieties and styles in a small but well-suited area

• Wines ideal for food pairings from Alpine to Mediterranean cooking