Trentino Wine Region

Trentino is an autonomous province that resides in the extreme north of Italy. It borders Lombardy to the west and Veneto to the south and east. The province is located in the southern half of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The other half is Alto Adige or South Tyrol (South Tirol to its largely German-speaking population). It's one of the country's oldest wine regions and has been producing wines for centuries.

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The History of Trentino Wine Region

The history of the Trentino wine region starts with the ancient Romans. The first mention of wine in the region dates back to the time of the Roman Empire when Pliny the Elder described it as “excellent”. The Romans cultivated vines in this area and they were also responsible for introducing grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. During this time period, wine production was mainly focused on supplying Rome with its wines.

In 1866, Trentino became an autonomous administrative unit within Italy and since then has been focused on producing quality wines to be exported internationally. In 1859, a group of entrepreneurs from Bolzano came together to build a winery called Cantina Sociale delle Venezie (Social Winery of Venetian), which is now known as Cantina Valle Isarco. This was the first cooperative winery in Trentino and it is still active today.

The majority of Trentino’s vineyards are located on hillsides at altitudes. The region is composed of the provinces of Trento, Bolzano and Rovereto.

Geography and Climate of Trentino Wine Region

The geography and climate of the Trentino wine region are very different from other wine regions in Italy. The climate here is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The vineyards are on hilly slopes, so they are exposed to the sun for a long time during the day.

Some 70% of the land is above 1000 meters, giving it a high elevation. 20% of the land is above 2000m and 90 peaks are over 3000m in height. The proud Dolomite Alps mountains that make up these highlands have been recognized by UNESCO as a Natural World Heritage Site.

Vineyards are most often found in the bottom 10 % of Trentino. In some places, the vines sit at a height of up to 900 meters above sea level and can be found throughout the area.

Grapes and Wines from Trentino Wine Region

Trentino DOC is a wine region located in the Adige valley near Avio. This area also includes Sarca and Avisio rivers nearby. Trentino DOC was originally created in 1971.

Their portfolio includes wines such as reds, whites, and sparkling. They all use the classic method, with Trentodoc on each bottle. The wines are made from Trentino-specific varieties, Schiava and Teroldego, but with a combination of international varieties as well such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Dual-varieth wines may also be produced. Teroldego has its DOC in the Campo Rotaliano plain in northern Trentino; the wines are mostly red, but a few rosés are also made.

A rosé wine might contain varying proportions of Lagrein, Enantio, Schiava and/or Teroldego. One type of rosato may account for up to 70% of the wine we drink. It's different from the situation with red wine because Lagrein roses are your only option.

There are many different types of dessert wines, including those that might be fortified with liquor or Moscato or two types of Moscato. You could also have a dessert wine that is white like Vino Santo (at least 85% Nosiola) and Superiore Vendemmia Tardiva.

Trentino Wine Region Subregions

Trentino Castel Beseno is a subzone for wines made exclusively from Moscato Giallo grapes grown within the communes of Besenello and Calliano. The white wines have to reach minimum alcohol by a volume of 12.5%. These wines tend to be light gold in colour with honeyed and floral aromas. There are also passito and late-harvested wine expressions. They are intensely sweet, with a much deeper colour.

Trentino Isera is the name for wines made from Marzemino grapes grown in the towns of Isera and Villa Lagarina in a region known as ssudwest of Trento. Any wine must go through the process to become a superior before being allowed to declare its subregion.

Trentino Sorni vineyards lie around the municipalities of Lavis, Giovo and San Michele all'Adige. The latter is home to the well-respected winemaking school, the Istituto Agrario di San Michele all'Adige.

Trentino Ziresi is a wine that is made under the Trentino DOC, specifically from Marzemino grapes that are grown in the Adige Valley outside of Trento. The wine must qualify for DOC Trent as well.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trentino