Trentino-Alto Adige is in the north of Italy. Its vineyard plantings span less than 5000 hectares of vineyards. In this region there are various grape varieties that make excellent wine.
Our Choices from Trentino-South Tyrol
Tramin, 'Selida', Alto Adige, Gewurztraminer
This white from Trentino South Tyrol is an aromatic delight. It carries floral hints of roses and lychees, culminating in a refreshing, finely-spiced palate that's rich in flavor.
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St. Magdalener Schiava DOC Alto Adige
Emanating from Trentino South Tyrol, this velvety red showcases vibrant red plums and raspberries. A light, inviting perfume accentuates its traditional Alto Adige roots.
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Pinot Bianco Cora DOC
Crafted in Trentino South Tyrol, this white wine bursts with green apple notes. The palate is enlivened by a touch of honey and crisp acidity, making for a refreshing finish.
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Pinot Nero DOC
From Trentino South Tyrol, this red wine exhibits a medium ruby hue. Its aromatic nose features red currants and black cherry. Soft tannins and ripe berry flavors are lifted by refreshing acidity.
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Trentino-South Tyrol's key Wine Areas
Alto Adige DOC
The production area of Alto Adige DOC is situated in the province of Bolzano, particularly suitable for grape growing thanks to its altitude and sun exposure. These wines are characterised by fruity aromas such as elderberry and rose petals.
Trentino DOC
This area extends between the municipalities of Trento. A mountainous area with 70% of the vineyards sitting at over 1000 metres altitude. Many grape varieties are cultivated here including Lagrein, Marzemino, Moscato Giallo, Müller Thurgau, Traminer, Riesling and Pinot Nero.
Trento DOC
Situated in the same region as Trentino DOC, but but mainly at a lower altitude of 800 metres and below. Trento DOC is produced by using grape varieties suited to sparkling wine including Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero.
Teroldego Rotaliano DOC
This grape is dark red in colour. It has a concentrated nose with aromas mature fruit, and a full bodied texture. These wines pair well with cheeses, red meats and other typical Trentino dishes.
Caldaro DOC
This region is mainly planted to Sciava grapes, with its typical almond aromas. Caldaro DOC includes some municipalities of Trentino.Caldaro DOC is produced in some municipalities belonging to Adige and Tyrol, as indicated on the label by “Classic” or “South Tyrol”.
Food Parings
Starter: Antipasto caldo
a sauce of mushrooms, garlic, parsley, and cream served with toasted bread.
Main course: Canederli
Known as “Knödel” in German, a typical regional dish. Dumplings made with stale bread, speck and sometimes cheese, cooked in a stock or in water
Main course: Spatzle or Tyrolean dumplings
Irregular shaped dumplings made with flour, eggs, water and sometimes spinach. Served with bacon and cream or butter and cheese.
Second course: Tortei di patate
Grated raw potatoes fried in dripping and served with cheese, meat, salami, or vegetables.
Dessert: Strudel
a round shaped cake of puff pastry filled with apples, raisins, and spices.
Trentino’s culinary tradition has influences from Veneto, South Tyrol, and Austrian cuisine. Generally, the cuisine of this region is characterised by peasant products such as potatoes, apples, maize, cheeses, wine, and spirits.
However, it is important to make a distinction between Trentino and the Alto Adige (Tyrol) area. Most Trentino dishes are rich and substantial, adapted to the cold weather and low temperatures. However the Tyrol cuisine is more similar to the Austrian cuisine.
FAQS
What wine is Trentino-Alto Adige known for?
Trentino-Alto Adige is famous for excellent DOC wines, particularly whites such as Pinot Bianco, the aromatic Gewürztraminer and the famous one Müller Thurgau. In Trentino there are also important red wines such as Teroldego Rotaliano and Marzemino.
What grapes are grown in Trentino-Alto Adige?
There are three native grape varieties in this region: Marzemino, Teroldego and Schiava. Other cultivated varieties include Chardonnay, Müller Thurgau, Merlot and Pinot Grigio and Pinot Nero. Moscato Rosa and Moscato Giallo (Rosenmuskateller and Goldmuskateller) are also widespread, Moscato Rosa can be found in sweet Passitos whereas Moscato Giallo are usually found in dry wines.
What is distinctive about Trentino-Alto Adige’s wines?
The red wines have a red-violet color, a delicate and elegant aroma, and soft tannins. The white sparkling wines are fruity, fresh and with a pleasant scent of white flowers.
Which is the best time to visit Trentino-Alto Adige?
The best time to visit Trentino-Alto Adige is between the months of June and September. Temperatures are mild, and the days are longer, the rainfall is reduced.
What is unique about Trentino-Alto Adige compared to other parts of Italy?
Whether it is a cold winter’s day or a hot summer evening, Trentino always knows how to surprise you. A unique area to be discovered all year round: with skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. Strolling through the villages and castles will show you everything about this region’s ancient traditions, rich heritage and customs. And everywhere you go, you’ll find wine and cheese.
Want to know it all?
Trentino-Alto Adige: region in a nutshell
Total vineyard area:
15,000 hectaresNumber of producers:
10,000Total wine production per year:
1.1 million hectolitersNumber of DOCGs: 0
0Number of DOCs: 9
9
Trentino-Alto Adige’s Wine History
Some archaeological findings of amphorae suggest that wine was produced in this area as far back as 2000BC. During the Roman age, cultivation and production techniques were improved. The Napoleonic age saw the emergence of grape varieties still used today including Schiava, Teroldego and Marzemino.
The history of Trentino sparkling wine started thanks to Giulio Ferrari, the "father" of Italian sparkling wine. Trentino sparkling wines are made similar to Champagne, with a second fermentation in the bottle.
Trentino-Alto Adige Viticulture
Trentino predominantly produces red wines, in particular Teroldego and Marzemino whereas Trento DOC makes sparkling wines based on Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero. The minimum period of maturation is of at least 15 months, with 24 months for vintage sparkling wines (called “millesimato”). Those that are aged for at least 36 months are classified as reserve wine (“riserva”).
Tyrol has an extremely interesting wine production characterised by both native and international varieties. The cool climate and the geographical and environmental conditions make Tyrol white wines among the best of Italy.
Trentino-Alto Adige Top Wineries To Visit
Cantina Rotari
Cantina Rotari is one of the most significant production facilities for classic method sparkling wines in Italy. It has a modern cellar that is designed and built with the utmost respect for the environment.
The heart of the winery is the aging and refinement room: this is where the bottles of Rotari Trentodoc rest, waiting the right time to be released to make the most of the aromas and scents of Rotari.
Cantina Tramin
Founded in 1898 by Christian Schrott, parish priest of Termeno, this is one of the region’s first cooperative wineries. It specialises in Gewürztraminer.
Cantine Ferrari
Giulio Ferrari dreamt of crafting Trentino wines that could hold their own with the best French Champagnes. In 1906: Ferrari bubbles were awarded the gold medal at the Milan International Exposition. This was the first of many prestigious awards.
Best white wines from Trentino-Alto Adige
Gewürztraminer:
An intensely floral and spicy variety ideal with strong foods.
Riesling:
a bright grape variety with delicate aromas. Refreshing and zesty.
Müller Thurgau:
A neutral variety that is aromatic and delicate in structure.
Pinot Grigio:
Sometimes fermented with skin contact which lends a coppery color thanks to its blue-grey skins
Nosiola:
Orchard fruit flavours, a dry and fragrant wine with an intense straw colour.
Best red wines from Trentino-Alto Adige
Marzemino:
a ruby red wine with a characteristically intense perfume. Dry and full-bodied.
Lagrein:
The most important wine of the region. Floral and elegant, occasionally blended with other varieties.
Pinot nero:
Also known as Pinot Noir, a noble grape variety. Light, fruity and elegant.
Lago di Caldaro:
Produced with the native red grape Schiava or Trollinger. Usually light-bodied and fresh.