Bassa Atesina and its wines

The Bassa Atesina (in German Südtiroler Unterland) is the southernmost area of the autonomous province of Bolzano, in Alto Adige, and is one of the best-suited areas of the Trentino-Alto Adige for the production of structured red wines, aromatic and mineral whites e wines from international grape varieties.
It stretches along the Adige Valley, between the municipalities of Salorno, Egna, Montagna, Ora, Termeno, Magrè, Cortaccia e Cortina sulla Strada del Vino.

This area enjoys high temperatures, wide temperature swings between day and night, and soils of alluvial and limestone origin, which favour the production of deep, long-lived wines, with a a clear signature of the local area.

What is the Bassa Atesina wine district?

The Bassa Atesina falls within the appellations:

• Alto Adige DOC (Südtirol DOC)

• Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT

The village subzones or geographical designations are often shown on the label (e.g. Alto Adige Pinot Nero Ora, Alto Adige Gewürztraminer Termeno).

Characteristics of Bassa Atesina Wines

Colour

• Whites: Bright straw yellow with golden highlights.

• Reds: Vivid ruby red, garnet in the more structured wines.

Aromas

• Fruity: Apricot, peach, apple, berry fruits.

• Floral: Rose, white flowers.

• Spicy and Mineral: Notes of flint, white pepper, alpine herbs, vanilla in the evolved reds.

Palate

• Whites: Fresh, savoury, elegant, mineral.

• Reds: Soft, structured, with fine tannins and good acidity.

• Aromatic: Breadth on the nose and a persistent finish.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Bassa Atesina

White Grape

• Gewürztraminer: Iconic in Termeno; floral, spicy, enveloping.

• Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc: Elegant and mineral.

• Müller-Thurgau, Kerner: Aromatic, fresh, from higher altitudes.

Black Grape

• Pinot Nero: Fine, elegant, one of the best in Italy.

• Lagrein: Structured and spicy, in the more inland municipalities.

• Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon: Well adapted and vinified as a single variety or in a blend.

• Schiava (Vernatsch): More delicate, often to be drunk young.

Why choose a wine from the Bassa Atesina?

The wines of the Bassa Atesina combine technical precision, Alpine freshness and a Mediterranean calling. Perfect for:

• Whites and aromatics: vegetarian dishes, fish, fresh cheeses, Asian cooking

• Pinot Nero and Lagrein: red meat, game, complex dishes

• Gewürztraminer: blue cheeses, foie gras, spicy cooking