Alto Adige Wine Region

Located in the place where North Italy meets South, Alto Adige is one of Italy’s smallest and most interesting wine regions. Thanks to its geographical position, the Mediterranean climate, the quality of the soils, and the desirable locations of the vineyards, it produces amazing wines. In addition, this wine region is famous for its authentic wines with their original character. Let's uncover together what makes Alto Adige one of the most visitable wine appellations in Italy.

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History of Alto Adige Wine Region

Alto Adige has been producing wine since ancient times. The first evidence of vines dates back to 3000 BC. It was one of the first regions to produce red wine in Italy, and winemaking has been continuously practiced ever since. In addition, the cold weather, which is ideal for the production of wine, has allowed for this fantastic quality.

Alto Adige DOC was established in the year 1861. The history of the Alto Adige wine region dates back to 1575 when it was discovered by a Spanish explorer. It is one of the oldest winemaking regions in Europe and has a long history of producing high-quality wines. One of the most famous wines produced there is Riesling. It was first made around 1600 and continuously improved through the centuries. Nowadays, Alto Adige produces a wide range of wines such as Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Gamaret, and German Riesling.

Terroir of Alto Adige Wine Region

The terroir of Alto Adige Wine Region is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been debated and discussed in various contexts. The Terroir of the Alto Adige wine region has been studied since the beginning of wine history. In particular, it has been heavily researched by several scholars such as Jancis Robinson in her book "Wine Grapes" (1981). and Michael Broadbent in his book "Wine Grapes and Wine Making" (2012).

The soil of the Alto Adige wine region is composed of various types of rocks and minerals. The most important mineral that makes the soil fertile is potassium, which can be found in the form of clay, sand, and claystone. The other vital mineral for wine production is calcium. The soil of the Alto Adige wine region is also rich in magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. The terrain of the Alto Adige is highly variable concerning elevation and slope. The average altitude of the region ranges from 500 meters above sea level to 1,800 meters above sea level. There are three main types of terrain found: plains, hillsides, and mountains.

Alto Adige's climate is characterized by cold winters and hot summers. These conditions make it possible to produce high-quality wines with balanced acidity, tannins, and alcohol. These characteristics make Alto Adige wines perfect for everyday drinking and special occasions such as weddings or banquets.

Alto Adige Wine Map

Grape Varieties and Unique Wines from Alto Adige

The variety of grapes in Alto Adige is quite vast and includes the following grapes: Verdelho, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Lagrein, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and others.

The grape varieties Verdelho, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Riesling are all known for their distinctive flavours. They are commonly found in white wines but may also be found in rosés and some sparkling wines. These three wines have very different origins and characteristics, making them each unique in their own way.

The Alto Adige region is known for its crisp, fruity red wines. What you'll love about these wines is how fruity and sweet they are, with an aroma of rose petals and ripe berries. You'll also get notes of vanilla, brown sugar and bread crust. The variety of wines has been constantly evolving over the years. Today, there are around 100 different varieties of Alto Adige's wine.

Food to pair with Alto Adige Wine

Speck Alto Adige

Speck, which is lighter in flavour than its heavy-smoked Alpine counterparts but more robust than the delicate Mediterranean prosciuttos, is prized by many chefs for its hardiness.

The ham in the Alpe region not only shares a border with neighbouring Austria but also has well-known cultural connections. It’s a distinctively flavoured smoked and cured ham that is an interesting blend of flavours from Northern Europe.

With production in the province of Bolzano, producing Low Resin Wood and finally curing it in the crisp Alpine air, Speck Alto Adige resembles a mildly smoky taste, yet it remains sweet, and its salty flavour comes to the fore.

Speck is an Alto Adige speciality with a lot of different inventive ways to eat it. Some people slice it thinly and put it with bread & cheese, others put pesto or soup on top, and still, others use the skin for a type of 'meatloaf'. It's enjoyed in many different feels: simple, luxurious, robust, refined.

Strudel (Trentino-Alto Adige)

You may not think of strudel as a classic Italian dish, but Trentino Alto Adige, especially the region around Val di Non-valley is renowned for its strudel. Rolling and stretching delicate sheets of paper-thin strudel pastry requires skills obtained through many years of practice, but the resulting flaky, crispy dessert is surely worth the effort. The dough for strudel is made from flour, butter, eggs and some sugar. The filling can be anything that a cook wishes to turn into a tart pastry, and sometimes it will include nuts, raisins or other ingredients. Strudel dough is rolled very thin and then cut into strips, which are then layered with filling in the middle and placed on top of each other. The dough is then folded around the filling, the edges are pinched together, and the strudel is cut into even rows.

Tiroler Barley Soup (Südtiroler Gerstensuppe)

The traditional Italian soup with eggs and vegetables is a speciality of South Tyrol, featuring finely chopped onions, garlic, celery and pancetta smothered in olive oil and white wine. In the United States, the term "gazpacho" is a soup made of many vegetables, but without tomatoes, that originated in southern Spain and is popular in other countries.

The vegetables (except the potatoes) are sautéed in butter or olive oil. Barley is added to the pot with the seasoning and water, and the soup is simmered for about an hour. The speck and potatoes are added near the end of cooking, and the soup is then simmered until everything is tender and the consistency becomes viscous and creamy. The vegetables are sautéed in butter or olive oil. This gives a rich, flavorful base for the soup. The barley is added to the pot with the seasoning and water and then simmered for about an hour. At the end of cooking, a speck is added, and the soup is simmered until everything is tender. Adding the chives and barley soup is a classic mountain meal that's especially popular during snowy winter months.

Places to visit in Alto Adige Wine Region

Visit Bolzano in Alto Adige Region

Bolzano is a city in the Alto Adige region of Italy. It is the capital of the province of South Tyrol. The city is well-known for its medieval centre, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Bolzano also has a rich history with many cultural and educational institutions, including the University of Bolzano and the Academy of Fine Arts. It also boasts many galleries and museums that have helped to make it one of Italy's most important artistic centres.

The city’s architecture includes many examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Romanesque styles. The city's famous landmarks include its Piazza Grande and Piazza delle Erbe. , as well as the many medieval buildings and churches. Bolzano was an Obbe in the Duchy of Carin-Aldringen, formed in 1595 as a ducal residence by Emperor Maximilian II. Nowadays, this place is one of the favourite touristic destinations in the Alto Adige region.

Visit Pinzolo in Alto Adige Region

Pinzolo is a village in the Alto Adige Region of Italy, which means "highest part" in Italian. It is located on the northern side of the Val Gardena, at an altitude of 2,790 m. Pinzolo is a typical Alpine village with a population of 1,200 people and 130 houses. It has a lot to offer for tourists looking for peace and tranquillity during their holiday time. The best time to visit Pinzolo is from April to October when the weather is warm and sunny.

 It has a lot to offer for tourists looking for peace and tranquillity during their holiday time. The best time to visit Pinzolo is from April to October when the weather is warm and sunny. The village has several restaurants, bars and hotels that are perfect for your stay in Pinzolo.

Visit Trento in Alto Adige Region

Trento is a city in the Alto Adige region of northern Italy. It is the capital of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. The city has more than 100,000 residents and an area of 165 square kilometres. Trento is known for its cafes, restaurants, theatres, art galleries and churches, as well as for its steep mountain cliffs, some of which the city has been built up to exploit. It is a major player in the tourist industry and is also a regional centre for commerce and education. Trento, at an elevation of 605 meters (1,963 ft), was traditionally thought to be one of the highest cities in Europe because of its location at the headwaters of the Adige River and Graz River.

The city also has a rich history and culture, with several museums and art galleries. It is known for its scenic beauty, with its panoramic view of the Dolomites and the River Adige. Trento is also famous for its food, such as balsamic vinegar, prosciutto, and cheese.

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Frequentky Asked Questions about Alto Adige Wine Region