The land

Trentino-Alto Adige is Italy’s northernmost wine region, sandwiched between the Dolomites and the western Alps. The region splits into two distinct halves: Alto Adige (Südtirol) in the north — historically Austrian, German-speaking, with vineyards perched on steep alpine slopes — and Trentino in the south, lower elevation, Italian-speaking, focused around the Adige river valley. Both produce remarkable wines, but the styles and grape varieties differ significantly.

The appellations

Alto Adige DOC (Südtiroler in German) — the umbrella for the northern half, with sub-zones including Eisacktaler/Valle Isarco, Schreckbichl, and Terlano. Trentino DOC — the umbrella for the south, with sub-zones including Trento DOC (the prestigious traditional-method sparkling appellation). Teroldego Rotaliano DOC and Marzemino — the traditional Trentino red appellations.

The grapes

Alto Adige whites: Pinot Bianco (the great age-worthy variety here — Cantina Terlano’s Vorberg Riserva is the reference), Gewürztraminer (the variety is native to the village of Tramin), Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sylvaner, Kerner, Müller-Thurgau. Alto Adige reds: Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), Schiava (Vernatsch in German), Lagrein (see /encyclopedia/grapes-encyclopedia/lagrein-encyclopedia/), Cabernet, Merlot. Trentino: Teroldego (the regional red, deep and structured), Marzemino, Pinot Nero, Chardonnay (especially for Trento DOC sparkling), Lagrein.

Style of the wines

Alto Adige whites are some of the most precise in Italy — high-acid, mineral, often single-vineyard, comparable in seriousness to top Burgundy. Lagrein and Teroldego produce structured alpine reds. Trento DOC sparkling (Ferrari is the dominant producer) rivals serious Champagne. Schiava is the light, easy local red, sometimes called the Beaujolais of the Alps.

Vintages to know

2020 — outstanding. 2019 — exceptional. 2018 — generous. 2015 — superb.

Producers we know

Cantina Terlano (the regional cooperative, makes the iconic Vorberg Pinot Bianco Riserva — among the great age-worthy whites in Italy), Cantina Tramin, Alois Lageder, J. Hofstätter (especially the Pinot Nero), Tiefenbrunner, Manincor, Foradori (the great Teroldego producer in Trentino), Ferrari Trento (sparkling).