Italy is an amazing country. A trip there, even for a few days, has more than once cured me of moping, brought back optimism and faith in the beautiful;

It is no wonder that great scientists, artists and poets have come and moved to Italy for inspiration, the search for truth and answers to the most difficult questions. How many beautiful words have been left by famous people about Italy. And the words of Charles Dickens, who wrote in his book "Pictures of Italy" published in 1846: "In no other country have I been so happy, so free from worries, so calm", resonate with me the most;

I, too, have traveled to Italy. This time the way lies to the north, to one of the most interesting and distinctive regions of this country. It is known for its pure Alpine landscapes and excellent white wines with a special character. The blend of Italian and Austrian cultures is strongly felt here: two official languages, Tyrolean cuisine and an ecological approach to viticulture. Benvenuti in Trentino-Alto Adige! Welcome to Trentino-Alto Adige!

This is a calm and beautiful Italy without the hustle and bustle of big cities. It is vineyards, terraces, mountains and lakes. It is quiet dinners with friends, hikes in the mountains and visits to wineries. The first thing one realizes is that wine here is not just a drink for dinner, but part of the landscape. Vineyards cling to the mountain slopes, terraces and hills, as if reaching for the sun themselves;

The region is officially divided into two parts: southern Trentino, centered in Trento, and northern Alto Adige, aka South Tyrol, with the main town of Bolzano. It is the gateway to the Dolomites and the alpine "wine treasure house" of Italy.

Trentino is almost entirely Italian-speaking, while in Alto Adige the population is predominantly German-speaking;

The wines in Trentino and Alto Adige are also very different. The first region is known for its excellent sparkling wines, made from chardonnay and pinot noir, according to the classic methodology. Alto Adige produces white wines from sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot bianco and gewürztraminer.

Trentino also has a very interesting autochthonous variety called nosiola, which is used to make a rare dessert wine called Vin Santo, considered one of the best in Italy. It is made from berries affected by botrytis, and the flavor is so rich and unique that I sometimes had the impression that the wine is infused with hazelnuts. It is not for nothing that "nocciola" is Italian for hazelnut.

In general, this variety is versatile, and it is used to produce light, dry white wines as well. Depending on the vinification, the flavor characteristics vary from citrus to tropical, so tasting nosiola from different producers is like tasting a completely new wine every time.

There is also something to please red lovers: the local varieties "Lagrein" and "Schiava" are the hallmarks of South Tyrol.

The latter produces light, fresh red wines with delicate flavors of cherry, almond and spicy notes that are perfect for every day, especially in hot summer weather.

In contrast, the wine from the "Lagrein" variety is fuller and more structured, with flavors of dark forest berries, violets and a slight bitterness.

Which wineries to visit

You can start your journey right from the Alto Adige Wine Road (Strada del Vino dell'Alto Adige). It's a scenic route through hills and valleys, where every turn reveals some interesting winery with history. Here are a few places that are definitely worth including on the itinerary:

- Elena Walch is a family-owned winery famous for its gewürztraminer.

- Cantina Terlano is a legendary cooperative, one of the oldest in Alto Adige, that ranks among the top Italian white wine producers every year.

- Alois Lageder is a pioneer of bio- and biodynamic winemaking in the region. At their place you can not only taste the wines, but also stay for dinner in a cozy courtyard among the vineyards.

- Ferrari Trento - this Italian sparkling wine has long been a hallmark of Trentino. A tour of the wine cellars and tasting is a very interesting experience and a great start to the trip.

Another important reason to come is the local cuisine. Everything here is seasonal and the dishes are mostly as simple as possible. The classic set: smoked speck Alto Adige ham, fresh cheese, spaetzle (homemade pasta), dumplings and apple strudel (just perfect with a glass of Vin Santo). Good restaurants and winemakers often offer a tasting set with local specialties and wines.

When I think of who to share this journey with, I immediately envision a group of people who are interested not just in tasting, but in understanding what the wine in the glass is and who makes it. Why does a grape variety feel the way it does among the mountainsides? Why are the local whites so fresh and the reds so rare and distinctive.

What to try

I highly recommend trying this five: 

- Nals Margreid Sirmian Pinot Bianco 2022. A rich and draughty wine with bright aromas of grapefruit, freshly cut grass and flowers that delightfully complement the lively acidity. 

- Cantina Terlan, Rarity 2011. A perfectly ripe wine with aromas of juicy nectarines, peaches, melon and yellow flowers and invigorating mineral tones. Full-bodied, rich and very long aftertaste.

- Kornell Oberberg Sauvignon Blanc 2021. A real aromatherapy awaits you with this wine: cut grass and gooseberry with lychee, complemented by notes of tangerine, grapefruit and mango.

- Abbazia di Novacella 2022 Valle Isarco Praepositus Kerner. This wine offers unusually expressive floral aromas and notes of green tea, grapefruit and pear that harmonize with a soft texture and stony mineral acidity. Long and memorable aftertaste.

- Cantina Terlan, Terlaner Primo Grande Cuvée 2021. Mango, pineapple and melon with grassy, floral nuances. Balanced and elegant, with an impressive mineral structure and citrus acidity.


This article was AI-translated and verified by a human editor

Share