Trentino-Alto Adige and its wines

The Trentino-Alto Adige is one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions, in the north of the country and characterised by fresh, mineral whites, elegant reds and high-quality traditional method sparkling wines. The area is divided into two distinct wine districts:

• Trentino, to the south, with a temperate alpine climate, known for producing Trentodoc sparkling wines, Teroldego Rotaliano and Müller-Thurgau.
• Alto Adige (Südtirol), to the north, with a strong German influence, renowned for its aromatic whites such as Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Bianco, and elegant reds such as Lagrein and Schiava.

The whole region stands out for its mountain viticulture and for wines of the very highest quality, thanks to the combination of altitude, temperature swings and soils of alluvial and volcanic origin.

What is the Trentino-Alto Adige wine district?

The region is divided into 9 DOCs and one DOCG, with a wide variety of indigenous and international grape varieties. The most famous appellations include:

• Trentodoc → A high-end traditional method sparkling wine, made with Chardonnay e Pinot Nero.
• Alto Adige DOC → Aromatic, mineral whites and elegant, long-lived reds.
• Teroldego Rotaliano DOC → The signature red of Trentino, soft and spicy.
• Müller-Thurgau and Nosiola DOC → Fresh, elegant white wines from Trentino.
• Lago di Caldaro DOC → Fruity, light Schiava, typical of Alto Adige.

The Great Wine Regions of Trentino-Alto Adige

1. Trentino

• Main grape varieties: Chardonnay, Müller-Thurgau, Teroldego, Nosiola.
• Style: Traditional method sparkling wines, fresh mineral whites, fruity spicy reds.
• Famous appellations: Trentodoc, Teroldego Rotaliano DOC, Trentino DOC.

2. Alto Adige (Südtirol)

• Main grape varieties: Gewürztraminer, Pinot Bianco, Lagrein, Schiava.
• Style: Aromatic, mineral whites, elegant, spicy reds.
• Famous appellations: Alto Adige DOC, Lago di Caldaro DOC.

Characteristics of Trentino-Alto Adige Wines

Colour

• Sparkling wines: Bright straw yellow with a fine, persistent perlage.
• Whites: Straw yellow with greenish highlights, golden in the more mature Gewürztraminer.
• Reds: Ruby red with purple nuances in the young Lagreins, garnet in the more aged ones.

Aromas

• Fruity: Citrus, apple, peach in the whites; cherry and berry fruits in the reds.
• Floral: White flowers in the whites; violet in the reds.
• Spicy and Mineral: Notes of flint in the Sauvignon Blanc wines, black pepper in the Lagrein.

Palate

• Fresh and Mineral: In the whites and the sparkling wines, with vibrant acidity.
• Elegant and Structured: In reds such as Teroldego and Lagrein, with fine tannins and a good finish.
• Savoury and Aromatic: In the Gewürztraminer wines and the high-altitude wines.

Typical Grape Varieties of Trentino-Alto Adige

White Grape Varieties

• Chardonnay: Used for Trentodoc sparkling wines.
• Pinot Bianco: Elegant and mineral, perfect for the Alto Adige.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Aromatic and citrussy, with excellent acidity.
• Gewürztraminer: The symbol of Alto Adige, with notes of rose and spice.
• Müller-Thurgau: Fresh and floral, typical of the mountain areas.
• Nosiola: Indigenous to Trentino, also used for Vin Santo Trentino DOC.

Black Grape Varieties

• Lagrein: Structured and spicy, typical of Alto Adige.
• Teroldego: The prince of Trentino, soft and fruity.
• Schiava: Light and fruity, very common in Lago di Caldaro.
• Pinot Nero: Fine and elegant, with a great ability to age.

Why Choose a Wine from Trentino-Alto Adige?

A wine from the Trentino-Alto Adige is the perfect expression of mountain viticulture, with great freshness, elegance and typicity. Perfect alongside lake fish, white meat, Alpine cheeses and spicy dishes, the wines of the region offer a wide range of styles and excellent quality.