BOOK SHOP

The Best Tool to Learn about Italian Wine

logo qc

The Best Tool to Learn about Italian Wine

BOOK SHOP
Wine Producers and Shops of Trentino-South Tyrol

Provinces of Trentino-South Tyrol

Italy of Wines

italy of wines book

History, Geography,  and Culture
of Italian Wine

Wines, Grape varieties, Typical products of each and every region in Italy, with more than 90 detailed regional maps.

Go to Book Shop

italian wine regions - quattrocalici

Wine in Trentino-South Tyrol

local grapes, wine, and food

wine fisgures of trentino-south tyrol

The Trentino Alto Adige region is an entirely mountainous area of about 14,000 km². It is composed of the autonomous provinces of Trento and Bolzano, which mark a differentiation both linguistically and administratively, leading to distinctions between Trentino on one side and Alto Adige (South Tyrol) on the other. Although it would be difficult to draw a morphological boundary between the two areas geographically speaking, ethnic and linguistic differences on one side and pedoclimatic differences on the other have also led, over the centuries, to a provincial characterization of wine production. However, both areas share an excellent production of wines, thanks also to the geographical location and favorable climatic conditions along the Adige Valley and on the slopes of the mountains that border it, as well as in the flat and hilly areas around Trento and Bolzano. The quality level of the wines from the region is very high, especially for those produced with grapes that prefer cold zones, such as Sauvignon and Pinot Nero. Despite the cultivation of many “international” varieties in Trentino Alto Adige,

Wine figures of Trentino-South Tyrol

  • 15,000 ha of which 86% in mountainous areas e il 14% in hilly ones.
  • 1.1 million hl of which DOP wines 93%; IGP wines 5%; red and rosé wines 59%; white wines 41%.
  • 9 DOC and 4 IGT.
wines of trentino-south tyrol

Viticolture in Trentino-South Tyrol

The Trentino-Alto Adige region, located in the northeast of Italy, is known for its unique and high-quality viticulture, thanks to its particular geography, soil composition, and climate. This region stands out for the diversity of its landscapes, ranging from river valleys, to mountain slopes, up to high altitudes, offering a mosaic of microclimates and ideal soils for vine cultivation.

Trentino-Alto Adige is characterized by a very varied topography. The Trentino area, to the south, benefits from gentle hills and open valleys, ideal for viticulture. Here, the soils are a mix of limestone, clay, and gravel, derived from the disintegration of Alpine rocks, which drain well and reflect heat, favoring the ripening of grapes.

Alto Adige, on the other hand, presents a more mountainous and valley landscape, with vineyards climbing the slopes of the valleys, exploiting optimal sun exposures. The soils vary greatly, from sand to clay, to limestone and river deposits, which influence the character and aromatic profile of the produced wines.

The climate of Trentino-Alto Adige is strongly influenced by its geographical position, being at the meeting point between Mediterranean and continental climate influences. This climatic dualism results in warm and sunny summers, but not excessively hot, thanks to the constant ventilation flowing along the valleys, and cold winters that help maintain the acidity and freshness of the grapes.

The effect of mountain barriers protects the vineyards from cold northern winds, while the opening to the south guarantees good sun exposure. The temperature differences between day and night, especially during the ripening phase, are crucial for developing and maintaining the aroma of the grapes.

This unique combination of natural factors allows Trentino-Alto Adige to produce high-quality wines of great variety. The region is famous for its aromatic and fresh white wines, like Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay, reflecting the elegance and freshness conferred by the Alpine climate. However, there are also excellent examples of red wines, like Teroldego Rotaliano and Lagrein, which express intensity, body, and structure, thanks to the specific pedoclimatic conditions of the cultivation territories.

Viticulture in Trentino-Alto Adige is also characterized by its sustainability and attention to quality rather than quantity. Soil processing, vineyard management, and winemaking techniques are carefully calibrated to respect the environment and enhance the peculiarities of each grape variety, in a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.

History of Winemaking in Trentino-South Tyrol

Trentino, the area on both sides of the Valdadige from Rovereto to Salorno, has a vineyard area of about 9,000 hectares. Alto Adige, on the other hand, has less than 5,000 hectares of vineyards, all in mountainous or foothill zones. As in the upper Verona area and in Valpolicella, the most widespread form of cultivation throughout the region is the Pergola, double in the plains and single on the slopes.

Viticulture in this region experienced its first significant period of development during ancient Rome, but the first vine cultivation dates back to the times of the Etruscans. With the barbaric devastations, viticulture came to a halt, and it was the work of the monks, particularly the Benedictines, that allowed the rebirth of cultivation. Already in those times in Trentino Alto Adige, the grapes Lagrein, Schiava, and Gewürztraminer were cultivated, along with other indigenous varieties of which traces have now been lost. During the Habsburg domination, wine production in Trentino Alto Adige experienced a new commercial impulse, and the wines of this region gained considerable notoriety outside the borders of Italy. Under Austria, the winegrowers’ cooperatives were also founded, which boast a history and tradition of quality like no other region in the Peninsula. The arrival of phylloxera at the beginning of the 1900s certainly caused less damage than the collapse that occurred at the end of World War I when both Trentino and Alto Adige were annexed to Italy. Only at the end of World War II were the first signs of recovery in the enology of Trentino Alto Adige seen, although the real recovery began in the early 1980s, with the adoption of rigorous quality criteria. Today, the tenacious commitment of the producers makes Trentino Alto Adige one of the best wine regions in Italy, both for the production of white and red wines, and for classical method sparkling wines.

vineyards in south tyrol
Vineyards in Val Venosta (Vinschgau), South Tyrol. Image: Depositphotos.com

Wine grapes of Trentino-South Tyrol

Trentino-Alto Adige can be divided into two distinct areas from the perspective of the grape varieties cultivated there, corresponding to the two provinces of the region.

The Grape Varieties of Trentino

In Trentino, the reference indigenous black grape varieties are Marzemino in the area south of Trento (Isera and Seresi), Teroldego in the Rotaliana plain north of Trento, and Schiava (in the variants Schiava grigia, Schiava grossa, and Schiava gentile) further up, at the provincial borders with Alto Adige. In the area bordering the province of Verona, Enantio (Lambrusco a foglia frastagliata) is also widespread. In the area of Trento, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Nero, and Cabernet are also present. The most cultivated white grape varieties are the international ones (Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco), which, along with Pinot Nero, are used in the production of classical method sparkling wines.

The Grape Varieties of South Tyrol

In Alto Adige, among the indigenous black grape varieties, we find Schiava (Vernatsch), as in Trentino, but also Lagrein. Among the international varieties, Pinot Nero stands out, having found in the area of Egna-Ora one of the most suited territories for it. Among the white grape varieties in the same area, we find Gewürztraminer, originally from the area of Termeno (Tramin), while north of Bolzano, in the Val d’Isarco and Val Venosta, we also find Kerner and Sylvaner. Moscato Rosa and Moscato Giallo (Rosenmuskateller and Goldmuskateller) are also widespread, the first in the form of even significant passito wines, the latter very pleasant especially in the dry version. The Terlano area is characterized by porphyritic formations that give the wines a pleasant minerality in addition to noteworthy longevity characteristics.

Read further

Wine appellations of Trentino-South Tyrol

Among the Denominations of Origin for wine in Trentino-Alto Adige, in Trentino, the most important DOC is the Trentino DOC, along with the Trento DOC dedicated to classical method sparkling wine. In the Rotaliana Plain north of Trento, we find the Teroldego Rotaliano DOC and the Valdadige DOC, accompanied further down towards the province of Verona by the Valdadige Terra dei Forti DOC. The Alto Adige DOC is the only one in the province and, similarly to what happens in the Aosta Valley, is divided into subzones characterized by pedoclimatic levels (Colli di Bolzano/Bozner Leiten, Meranese di Collina or Meranese/Meraner Hügel or Meraner, Santa Maddalena/St. Magdalener, Terlano/Terlaner, Val Venosta/Vinschgau, Valle Isarco/Eisacktaler). Among the 8 PDOs (Protected Designation of Origin) present in the region, we note the cheeses Spressa delle Giudicarie PDO (Trentino) and Stelvio or Stilfser PDO (Alto Adige).

Read further

Wine areas of Trentino-South Tyrol

Trentino-Alto Adige can be divided into two distinct wine zones, corresponding to its administrative subdivision into the provinces of Trento (Trentino) and Bolzano (Alto Adige/South Tyrol), distinct in terms of language and culture. These differences also manifest in the types of grape varieties cultivated and wines produced.

Trentino

In Trentino, red wines are predominantly produced, especially Teroldego and Marzemino. The Trento DOC denomination is dedicated to classical method sparkling wines, made from Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Nero grapes, with a minimum maturation period on the yeasts of at least 15 months (24 months for vintage wines). Sparkling wines that remain in the bottle for at least 36 months are classified as reserve. The Campo Rotaliano, north of Trento, is characterized by the cultivation of Teroldego, one of the most interesting black grape varieties in the region (DOC Teroldego Rotaliano). Nosiola is the most famous and interesting indigenous white grape variety of Trentino. With it, in the Valle dei Laghi, interesting dry wines are produced, in addition to the famous Vino Santo. Nosiola clusters are dried after harvest until the Easter period, allowing the berries to be attacked by Botrytis Cinerea. The must is fermented in small wooden barrels, left to mature for four years, resulting in a rich and pleasant sweet wine.

Alto Adige (South Tyrol)

Alto Adige has an extremely interesting and varied wine production, characterized by both international varieties and important indigenous grape varieties. The cool climate and the particular environmental and geological conditions make the white wines of Alto Adige among the best in Italy. The red wines, particularly those produced with Lagrein and Pinot Nero, also boast results of absolute excellence. Rarely are white wines matured or fermented in wooden barrels, to preserve the fresh and fruity character typical of Alto Adige white wines. Even in cases where the producer chooses maturation in barrel or barrique, the wines always stand out for their pleasant and refreshing acidity. Lagrein is a very versatile grape, with which both pleasant rosé wines (Lagrein Kretzer) and red wines of considerable structure and longevity, better known as Lagrein Dunkel (dark), are produced. It is also blended with some international varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, producing excellent results. Schiava (Vernatsch) has its most notable wines in the Santa Maddalena subzone of the DOC Alto Adige. Among the sweet wines, those produced with Moscato Giallo (Goldenmuskateller) and Moscato Rosa (Rosenmuskateller), with their unmistakable strawberry and rose aromas, stand out.

Regional Cuisine of Trentino-South Tyrol

The two provinces that make up Trentino Alto Adige, despite being linguistically distinct, share much in common in terms of traditions and culture, including gastronomically. The cuisine of Trentino Alto Adige is essentially based on three staple foods that are protagonists in almost all traditional dishes: apples, speck, and polenta (the latter only in the province of Trento). Polenta is prepared with different flour mixes depending on the area: in Val di Non, for example, it’s made with yellow corn flour mixed with buckwheat flour, while in the Garda area, it’s made with white wheat flour and potatoes. Notable is the black polenta, made from buckwheat. Many traditional dishes are influenced by German or Austrian cuisine, such as canederli (Knödel) and sauerkraut (Sauerkraut). Mushrooms are also a recurring ingredient in many traditional dishes, given their abundance in the region’s forests. Fish, abundant in the numerous rivers and streams, brings recipes like trout alla trentina, sautéed and dressed with lemon sauce, mint, and raisins. The mountain environment brings typical game-based recipes, like hare flavored with lard, onion, pine nuts, raisins, lemon zest, cinnamon, and butter, and venison, with various dishes including the famous stew.

Trentino Alto Adige produces many cheeses, like Algunder, both sweet and spicy, Almkäse from Val Venosta, Toblach, Asiago PDO, and Vezzena in the province of Trento. Among the cured meats, Speck Alto Adige PGI, produced in the province of Bolzano, is notable. Trentino Alto Adige has a very important fruit production, particularly apples (Alto Adige PGI apples), Dro PDO plums, strawberries and raspberries, Torbole broccoli, and Storo maize.

The regional cuisine of Trentino Alto Adige is also famous for its desserts, starting with Strudel, puff pastry filled with apples, raisins, pine nuts, breadcrumbs sautéed in butter, and flavored with cinnamon; Zelten, a typical Christmas sweet with dates, dried figs, sultanas, pine nuts, walnuts, cinnamon, grappa, and cognac mixed into rye bread dough; Meranese jam, cream, or poppy seed Krapfen; Tyrolean plum cake; and rhubarb tart.

Read further

Quattrocalici Wine Guide

Best WINE PRODUCERS of Trentino-South Tyrol

Show more

Best WINE SHOPS of Trentino-South Tyrol

Show more