Trentino-Alto Adige wine region

Trentino-Alto Adige - a Region with Excellent Wines

Trentino-Alto Adige wine region is located in the north of Italy and borders Austria to the north, Switzerland to the northwest, Lombardy to the west, and Veneto to the south. Winegrowing has a long tradition in Trentino-Alto Adige wine region, which was once an important wine supplier to the Habsburg monarchy (to which Trentino belonged until 1918). Today, viticulture is dominated by cooperatives whose members cultivate most of the vineyards. However, a number of small and medium-sized businesses also hold their own well.

The region has vineyards of about 15,000 hectares. The winemakers from the Trentino-Alto Adige wine region produce a huge variety of excellent wines and it is characterized by the highest share of DOC wines in Italy. Due to the mild climate of the Mediterranean, almost all red and white grape varieties can be planted here.

Trentino-Alto Adige Wine Region Map

The Land of Pinot Grigio

Trentino-Alto Adige wine region has favorable conditions for white wine production. The white wines are fresh, fruity, and pleasantly acidic. Pinot Grigio, which is also known as Pinot Gris in France is so far the leader of white wines here. Pinot Grigio from the Trentino-Alto Adige wine region has higher acidity and neutral flavor profile unlike its counterparts from other countries. For example, ones produced in Alsace wine region that are more spicy and full-bodied.

Other Fruity White Wines

Together with Pinot Grigio, Trentino Alto-Adige wine region also produces other prominent white wines from Müller-Thurgau, Riesling Italico (Welschriesling), Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay. These varieties which flourish all around the picturesque town of Trento as well as in South Tyrol and a part of Veneto, are labelled under the collective name Valdadige DOC.

However, some of Trentino's best wines are almost unknown to us because they come from small family wineries with only a few acres of cultivated land in the side valleys, such as the bizarre Val di Cembra. Probably one of the next DOC or DOCG regions with famous mineral and elegant wines.

The wine region of Trentino-Alto Adige is also known for sparkling wine production with the traditional method of bottle fermentation. The fine-pearly and expressive sparkling Trentodoc from Trentino-Alto Adige is among the best from Italy.

Red Wines from Trentino-Alto Adige Wine Region

The grape variety number one in South Tyrol (Alto Adige) is indigenous red grape variety Vernatsch covering 1,300 hectares. So as well as in the most well-known DOC Kalterersee (Lago di Caldaro). Red wines are popular for their freshness, lightness, and simplicity.

TIP! You can find the indigenous grape variety Vernatsch in two wineries; Cantina Girlan and Weingut Loacker where you will be welcomed for a visit and tasting!

Among the red wines, the robust wines are produced from grape varieties Marzemino and Teroldego, which are cultivated only in Trentino. Marzemino produces medium-bodied wines that stand out for their brilliant red colour, floral-fruity scent, and bitter-sweet taste. The Teroldego, on the other hand, produces wines with intense colour and power. In the nose, it is already strong with intense berry fruit and enthralling scents of earth, truffle, and leather.

In addition to the local Vernatsch and Lagrein, the red wines include international varieties such as Pinot Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The latter two can as well be found in a Cuvée, also outstanding qualities are developed in the barrique.

Where to Taste the Exquisite Wines

We made a list of wineries in Trentino-Alto Adige wine region for you. Wineries that are open for visitors to share their passion and outcome of this passion with you!

TIP!

Cantina Girlan is a result and an involvement of a lot of different winemakers and vinegrowers working in cooperation. The history of the winery started in 1923 with 23 vinegrowers which have grown to about 200 of them today.

Visit the winery and discover the secrets of South Tyrol wines and the way cooperatives work here.

TIP!

Weingut Loacker is located in the beautiful hills near the city of Bolzano in the region of South Tyrol. There you not only have the chance to taste the alpine freshness but also taste the Tuscan wines like Brunello di Montalcino or Morellino di Scansano.

Visit the winery and taste their biodynamic wines produced with respect to nature and traditions.

Bolzano - the Heart of South Tyrol

South Tyrol's provincial capital lies between vineyards and the Dolomites.

The rich and varied history of the city can also be seen in the architectural styles: the medieval center, the Art Nouveau style of the ending K & K monarchy, and the Neoclassicism of the Mussolini dictatorship alternate with modern facades. Romantic streets, markets, and bustle will accompany your tour.

Be sure to visit the Laubengasse, the most famous street in Bolzano. It runs about 300 meters from east to west and used to be the trading route par excellence. It is still a popular shopping street today. From traditional to modern shops you will find everything your heart desires. Even if you are not in the shopping mood, the Laubengasse with its special flair invites you to stroll.

Enjoy an Aperol Spritz or a Hugo in one of the numerous cafes on the edge of Waltherplatz, the most famous square in Bolzano. Its namesake, Walther von der Vogelweide, towers as a white statue in the middle of the square. Or treat yourself to incredibly delicious chocolate or ice cream at Loacker, the waffle and chocolate specialist well-known beyond South Tyrol's borders.

Trentino-Alto Adige Wine Region - Naturally Beautiful

After some experiences in the vineyards, breathe in the fresh mountain air, relax on a lush green meadow and just enjoy the day! The landscape and nature in Trentino have so much to offer. Gentle hills alternate with rugged and imposing mountain peaks.

Meraner Höhenweg - Get Closer to the Sky

Named after the town of Meran, the trail winds for over 100 kilometers, with well-developed and signposted ways and paths, through mountain forests, alpine meadows, and rugged rocky landscapes around the Texel Nature Park. Thus, the Meraner Höhenweg takes a special position among the many, very beautiful long-distance hiking trails in South Tyrol, because it surrounds one of the most beautiful natural parks in the country. On this beautiful hike, you can experience the interface between a pristine natural landscape and a cultural landscape unique to humans.

Kratzberger See - Gorgeous Mountain Lake

The Kratzberger See is an ideal destination for peace seekers, nature lovers, and families. Far away from the noise, traffic, and all infrastructures, the lake is nestled gently northeast below the Plattenspitze in a sunny location.

The ideal starting point to reach the Kratzberger See is the mountain station of the Meran cable car. Starting from the mountain station, follow the broad hiking trail towards the Miesensteiner Joch. Passing under the Finger, after a short climb, the landscape opens up and gives you a clear view of the "back" part of Merano. After about 40 minutes of a relatively slight incline, the path climbs slightly again, directly below the Meran-facing side of the Plattenspitze goes up to the Miesensteiner yoke, which marks the transition to the Sarntal. Here you can enjoy a wonderful view over Meran.

Once you have reached the lake, the beach feeling comes on immediately! The north shore, with its white sand and clear water, is almost like a dream beach in Sardinia, if only the water wouldn't be so cold (about 3 degrees).

Val die Rabbi - Alpine Valley from a Picture Book

The Val di Rabbi is one of the most enchanting valleys of Trentino due to its protected natural resources, most of which belong to the Stelvio National Park. The whole valley is crossed by a comfortable road, which runs for about 12 km along the clear, lively, and fish-rich wild-river Rabbies. If you go up the valley, you will first find the village of Pracorno, with its many country houses. Shortly thereafter, you will reach San Bernardo, the seat of all services of public interest.

Continuing along the torrent, you will reach the village of Rabbi Fonti, where you will find the park's thermal bath and visitors' center, while above it, in a dominant position, rises the Piazzola district. Visitors can look down on green slopes, dense coniferous forests, and the peaks of the Ortles Cevedale mountain range.