The wines of Trentino-Alto Adige are among both Italy's most popular and obscure. From a wine point of view, Trentino and Alto Adige (also known as South Tyrol) are very different. The first is known for excellent Classic Method sparkling wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the region's native vines like Teroldego and Nosiola.
The bottles to keep an eye on are the whites of Pressano and Sorni, two villages in the comune of Lavis (6 miles north of Trento), and those produced in the Val de Cembra (Cembra Valley), around 16 miles north of Trento. Local Vino Santo from the Valle dei Laghi (Valley of the Lakes), 11 miles north of Trento, is a lesser-known dessert wine.
Alto Adige is now a reference point for white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Kerner, Grüner Veltliner, and Sylvaner all thrive in the Eisacktal (Isarco Valley). Native red varietlas of note are Lagrein and Schiava, which thrive in the area of Caldaro, around 7 miles southwest of Bolzano, and Santa Maddalena, about 10 miles northeast of Bolzano. The production of international grapes, especially Pinot Noir, is also highly reputed. Here are five wines of Trentino-Alto Adige to keep an eye out for.
1. Ferrari Trento Brut Perlé 2015
After aging on lees for 50 months, this wine becomes the exemplification of the Trentodoc's slogan: bollicine di montagna (mountain bubbles). Fresh and elegant, it has delicate fruity and citrus aromas and gentle perlage. Have it with vitello tonnato and grilled meat. website
2. Mezzacorona Trentino Nosiola Castel Firmian 2020
This true mountain white is called Nosiala due to the hazelnut hue of the ripe grapes. It is fruity and floral, with a low alcohol content. Sip it alongside a dish of pumpkin tortelli with Parmigiano cream, white wine sauce (preferably from Nosialoa), and black truffle flakes. website
3. Cantina Tramin Alto Adige Gewürztraminer Nussbaumer 2019
Aromatic and intense, this wine is made from one of the region's most celebrated white grapes. It has notes of rose, lychee, and tropical fruit. Have it with buckwheat ravioli, mountain cheese and dried apricots. website
4. Cantina Bolzano Classic Huck am Bach 2019
This graceful red, which smells of violets and raspberries, is light, fragrant, and versatile. Have it with canederli (Tyrolean dumplings) website
5. Vigneto Muri-Grie South Tyrol Lagrein Reserve Vineyard Klosteranger 2015
Produced in the vineyard within the Muri-Gries convent, this intense, tannic, structured red is balanced with freshness. It has the aromas of black fruits and coffee. Try it with roasted veal. website