Valle di Cembra and its wines

The Valle di Cembra is one of the most striking winegrowing areas of Trentino-Alto Adige, east of Trento and set among the mountains of the Lagorai.
This valley, characterised by extremely steep terraced slopes with dry-stone walls, stretches between the 400 and 900 metres above sea level, along the course of the Avisio stream.

The soils

The soils are of volcanic porphyry origin, poor and mineral, ideal for bringing out the acidity and finesse of the wines.
The climate is Alpine, with wide temperature swings and good ventilation: a perfect mix for obtaining fresh, vertical, long-lived wines.

Viticulture in the Valle di Cembra is heroic, because of the extreme slope and the difficulty of working by hand, but it is precisely this care that gives rise to some of the the most elegant, distinctive whites of Trentino.

What is the Valle di Cembra wine district?

The Valle di Cembra falls within the DOC Trentino, with the option of a geographical mention, and also in some IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti.

The main types are:

• Trentino DOC Müller-Thurgau, the symbol of the valley

• Trentino DOC Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon

• Trentino DOC Schiava and Pinot Nero on the best-exposed slopes

• Traditional method sparkling wines, often with Chardonnay or Pinot Nero grapes

Characteristics of Valle di Cembra Wines

Colour

• Whites: Bright straw yellow with greenish highlights.

• Reds: Pale ruby red (Pinot Nero, Schiava).

• Sparkling wines: Pale yellow with a fine perlage.

Aromas

• Fruity: Green apple, citrus, white peach.

• Floral: Elderflower, wild flowers, wisteria.

• Mineral: Flint, smoky notes and marked savouriness.

Palate

• Taut and Fresh: Vibrant acidity, decisive savouriness.

• Elegant: Medium body, great balance.

• Long-lived: Especially the more structured Müller-Thurgau wines and the Rieslings.

Typical Grape Varieties of the Valle di Cembra

White Grape

• Müller-Thurgau: The emblem of the valley; aromatic, fresh, mineral.

• Riesling Renano: Rarer, but deep and long-lived.

• Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon: Fine, elegant, perfect for the traditional method.

Black Grape

• Schiava (Vernatsch): Delicate, fragrant.

• Pinot Nero: Fresh, with floral and fruity notes.

Why choose a wine from the Valle di Cembra?

The wines of the Valle di Cembra are ideal for anyone who loves freshness, elegance and mountain authenticity:

• Whites and sparkling wines perfect for vegetarian dishes, freshwater fish, fresh cheeses

• Light reds to pair with local cured meats, white meat, light mountain cooking

• Excellent too as mineral, gastronomic aperitifs