Cornaiano e Appiano and its wines

Cornaiano (Girlan) e Appiano (Eppan) are one of the most important and best-suited wine-growing hubs of The Wine Route of theAlto Adige, in the province of Bolzano.
Located on the western slope of the Adige Valley, at the foot of the monte Mendola, between 400 and 600 metres above sea level, these areas benefit from limestone, porphyry and clay soils, a an Alpine climate with Mediterranean influences e wide temperature swings, which give the wines finesse, freshness and great elegance.

The area is famous above all for its structured, long-lived whites — Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer — and for the elegant reds from Pinot Nero.

What is the Cornaiano e Appiano wine district?

The two localities fall within the appellation:

• Alto Adige DOC / Südtirol DOC → in particular:

  • Alto Adige Pinot Bianco DOC

  • Alto Adige Sauvignon DOC

  • Alto Adige Chardonnay DOC

  • Alto Adige Pinot Nero DOC

  • Alto Adige Gewürztraminer DOC

The area of Appiano (Eppan) is the the municipality with the largest planted area in Alto Adige, and Cornaiano is one of its most highly suited centres, known for some of the most prestigious cooperatives and private wineries in the area.

Characteristics of the Wines of Cornaiano and Appiano

Colour

• Whites: Bright straw yellow, turning golden in wines that are aged.

• Reds: Luminous ruby red in the Pinot Nero wines.

Aromas

• Fruity: Apple, pear, peach, citrus in the whites; cherry, strawberry in the Pinot Nero.

• Floral: White flowers, elderflower in the Sauvignons; rose and lychee in the Gewürztraminers.

• Mineral: Notes of chalk, wet stone in the high-altitude whites.

Palate

• Fresh and Savoury: In the whites, with vibrant acidity.

• Fine and Harmonious: In the Pinot Nero wines, with silky tannins.

• Structured and Long-lived: In the top Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines.

Typical Grape Varieties of Cornaiano and Appiano

White Grape

• Pinot Bianco: Fresh, taut, fine, with great ageing potential.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Aromatic, vertical, savoury.

• Chardonnay: More structured, sometimes aged in wood.

• Gewürztraminer: Rich, spicy, enveloping.

Black Grape

• Pinot Nero: Elegant, fruity, with fine tannins.

• Lagrein: In a small part, full-bodied and spicy.

Why choose a wine from Cornaiano and Appiano?

The wines of Cornaiano and Appiano are among the most elegant and refined in Alto Adige, perfect for anyone who loves structured, vertical, mineral whites, and fresh, fine reds.
Ideal with:

• Lake and sea fish,

• Vegetable-based dishes,

• Fresh and aged cheeses,

• White meat and, for the reds, also with light game.