Alto Adige Wine Adventure

Alto Adige, situated in the northern part of the Trentino-Alto Adige region, may not be the first place that comes to mind when considering Italian wine regions. Nonetheless, the wines crafted in this high-altitude, German/Italian-speaking locale are remarkably exceptional.

STEEP VINEYARDS CLIMB THE MOUNTAINSIDE

The grapes

While international grape varieties are cultivated in Alto Adige, many obscure indigenous grapes continue to be grown. These grapes flourish in the region's cooler climates and higher altitudes.

The most commonly planted white grape varieties in the Alto Adige wine region include sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, gewürztraminer, and chardonnay, alongside müller-thurgau, kerner, and several other varieties from the cooler climates of Germany and Austria. The region's soils contribute minerality to the wines, and the significant diurnal temperature variations allow the grapes to develop strong aromas and structure.

Local red varieties mainly include schiava and lagrein, but pinot nero and Bordeaux varietals are also cultivated. Schiava produces light, low tannin and fruity wines with red fruit character. Lagrein, on the other hand, is dark and concentrated in color with high tannins and black fruit notes.

3 wineries to visit

Santer

Leon Felderer, a friend of ours, introduced us to Santer for our wine adventure. The winery is owned by his friend Johannes Gasser. It is the northernmost winery in Italy. This small family-operated business specializes in producing organic wines and farm goods, primarily apples and walnuts.

SVEIN, ME, LEON & JOHANNES

At Santer, the high latitude supports the cultivation of local varieties like white grapes johannier and solaris and for red, cabernet cortis.

OUR MODE OF TRANSPORTATION- LEON IS A WORLD-CLASS LUGER WHO JUST COMPETED IN THE MILANO-CORTINA OLYMPICS

At Santer, we encountered an unusual pricing strategy; all their still dry wines are priced equally. This means that both the lagrein and a lagrein reserve are sold at the same price, despite the latter being more labor-intensive and aged longer in expensive new French oak. Their philosophy is that everyone has unique taste preferences, and choices should be made based on personal preference rather than price. Unsurprisingly, we preferred the reserve!

THE FAMILY CHICKENS ARE CONTENT FORAGING FOR FOOD IN THE HILLS ABOVE THE LAGO DI RIO DI PUSTERIA RIVER

RENOVATIONS STILL UNDERWAY AT SANTER AFTER A DEVASTATING FIRE

Felderer Hof

We enjoyed Felderer's 2021 lagrein reserve so much during dinner in Bolzano that we decided to visit the winery to explore their other wines the next day. It's just a 10-minute drive from Bolzano.

ANOTHER FAMILY RUN OPERATION PASSED ALONG THROUGH THE GENERATIONS, ASTRID'S SON NOW IS TAKING OVER THE OPERATION

Our wine tasting was held in a room within the family home. The highlights included all the white wines: gewürztraminer, sauvignon blanc, and the local variety goldmuskateller. The 2021 lagrein was unavailable, so we sampled the 2022 vintage. It was good, but not quite like the 2021, due to the hot, dry summer of 2022. Be sure to try the St. Magdalener, their blend of schiava and lagrein.

Kurtatsch

As we drove the winding strada del vino, or wine road, we unexpectedly discovered Kurtatsch perched above the vineyards, featuring a stunning balcony. It was too beautiful to resist.

BI-LINGUAL SIGNS INDICATE THE WINE ROAD

THE ELEGANT TASTING ROOM OF KURTATSCH MAKES THE PERFECT PIRTCH FOR A GLASS OF WINE OVERLOOKING THE VINEYARDS

Kurtatsch is a cooperative of growers who share a common philosophy of producing sustainable, nature-driven wines that reflect the diverse terroir of Alto Adige. Their vineyards range in altitude from 220 to 900 meters (720 to 2950 feet) and feature soils that include red sand, gray clay, and gravel Dolomite stones.

TO COMMEMORATE THE 125 ANNIVERSARY OF THE COOPERATIVE, SPECIAL ART LABLES DEPICTING THE GREEK GODDESS OF WINE ON THEIR SIGNATURE WHITE AND RED CUVEES

We sampled a selection of wines from their 'Terroir' line, which features the finest vineyards with low yields and is only produced in exceptional years. It was fascinating to compare three Pinot Noirs from different vineyards: Mazon, Glen, and Sonntaler. In the cellar, all wines received the same treatment, so the differences in aroma and taste arise from the vineyard itself.

GRAPES GROW ALONG SIDE APPLES THROUGHOUT THE REGION

Bonus - the wines in Alto Adige offered excellent quality for their price, making them a great value. Yet another reason to add this to your list!

I would love to hear about your road-less-traveled wine adventures. Please share them on Instagram!

Ciao for now,

Andrea

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