Alto Adige
South Tyrol and Trentino jointly comprise a region with the autonomous provinces of Trento in the south and Bolzano in the north. While Italian is predominantly spoken in Trentino, German serves as the primary language in South Tyrol. Trentino enjoys a warmer and drier climate than South Tyrol, thanks in part to the moderating influence of Lake Garda. In South Tyrol, small family-owned businesses prevail, whereas large cooperatives dominate in Trentino. There are also notable differences in grape varieties: Trentino favors red grapes, while South Tyrol leans towards white varieties.
In Trentino, particularly in the Adige and Sarca valleys, nearly 10,000 hectares are dedicated to vineyards, with approximately 70% devoted to DOC wines. Fruity wines thrive in this region, including those made from the Schiava grape, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling Italico, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, and Chardonnay. Notable DOC areas include Trentino DOC, Teroldego Rotaliano, Caldaro/Kalterersee DOC, and Castell DOC.
Trentino is also renowned for its production of noble sparkling wines under the Trento DOC, produced using the traditional method of bottle fermentation. Marzemino, a red grape variety celebrated in Mozart's Don Giovanni, is a regional specialty, while elegant white wines crafted from the Nosiola grape are unique to Trentino.
In South Tyrol, vineyards cover nearly 5,500 hectares, primarily situated at altitudes exceeding 500 meters, with some reaching almost 1,000 meters above sea level. These vineyards are predominantly found on steep slopes and hills in the Etschtal and Eisacktal valleys, as well as in smaller areas of the Vinschgau valley. The region boasts a diverse climate and soil composition, allowing for the cultivation of various grape varieties. Vernatsch (Schiava) is the predominant grape variety, followed by Traminer (Gewürztraminer) and Lagrein.
South Tyrol also produces notable varietal wines, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc are widely cultivated and highly regarded, with Müller-Thurgau also producing exceptional white wines.
FACTS
Capital: Trento - Trento
Vineyard area: approx. 15,500 hectares (10,000 Trentino, 5,500 South Tyrol)
Total production/year: approx. 115 million Liters
Share of Italy's viticulture: approx. 2.2
