Val d’Isarco and its wines

The Val d’Isarco (Eisacktal in German) is the northernmost wine district in Italy, in the north-eastern part ofAlto Adige, between Bolzano e Bressanone.

The area

It is an area of high altitude and steep slopes, characterised by heroic viticulture that unfolds between 400 and 900 metres of altitude, along the banks of the river Isarco.

The climate is Alpine-continental, with wide temperature swings e constant ventilation, while the soils are rich in quartzite, phyllite and mica schist, factors that give the wines verticality, aromatic precision and marked salinity.

The Valle Isarco DOC is now one of the most dynamic and highly regarded areas for producing dry, elegant and mineral whites, among the finest in Italy and in Europe.

What is the Val d’Isarco wine district?

The Denominazione di Origine Controllata Valle Isarco was recognised in 1968 and takes in the municipalities of:

• Chiusa, Velturno, Bressanone, Barbiano, Varna, Laion, part of Bolzano and other neighbouring communes.

Here they produce exclusively:

• Dry single-variety white wines

• From a normal or late harvest

• With the grape variety named on the label

• Some “Riserva” or “Sabiona” labels represent the pinnacle

Characteristics of Val d’Isarco Wines

Colour

• Pale straw yellow in the young wines

• Pale gold in the wines destined for ageing

Aromas

• Fruity: Green apple, white peach, citrus

• Floral: Mountain flowers, camomile, elderflower

• Mineral: Flint, alpine salinity

• Herbaceous and spicy: Sage, aniseed, white pepper

Palate

• Taut and fresh: vibrant, dynamic acidity

• Savoury: a mineral, drawn-out finish

• Long-lived: excellent capacity to develop in the best examples

Typical Grape Varieties of the Val d’Isarco

White Grape

• Sylvaner: Vertical, fresh, mineral

• Kerner: Aromatic, spicy, mountain in style

• Riesling: Precise, elegant, with ageing potential

• Grüner Veltliner: Peppery, savoury, unique in Italy

• Müller-Thurgau, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon

Note: no red wines are made in the Valle Isarco DOC.

Why choose a wine from the Val d’Isarco?

The Val d’Isarco is perfect for anyone looking for:

• Elegant, fresh, alpine whites

• Gastronomic wines, ideal for fish dishes, mountain cheeses, smoked cured meats

• An alternative Italian answer to Riesling or to Austrian Grüner Veltliner

• Large value for money compared with other Alpine DOCs