The wines of South Tyrol

Another thing that makes South Tyrol an important winemaking region is that ninety-nine percent of the wine produced in the region falls under a DOC, a percentage higher than any other Italian region. It is because of this that I’ve decided to introduce you to the wines of this area in a slightly different way than my previous articles. We will look at the seven production areas and then ‘taste’ the most important grape varieties, rather than just talk about DOCs and IGTs (there are no DOCGs in the region).

South Tyrol is a region traditionally focused on red wines but in just in a few years it has become famous for its whites too. The traditional grape varieties are more than enough to make us salivate – Schiava gives life to simple and elegant red wines which are very drinkable and not very tannic; Lagrein imparts power and pride to a wine and Gewurz, which comes from the charming town of Tramin, is beloved for its flavour. Now, I am not a great lover of aromatic grapes, especially when they are grown all around the world, but the results achieved with Gewurz are definitely worth trying. And we cannot forget the mysterious pink Moscato Rosa of Sicilian origin that is wisely safeguarded by one of the oldest wine farms in Europe, the Abbazia di Novacella.

(Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Schiava, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir)

The area that gave birth to Gewurz grapes, this is the largest wine region of South Tyrol and is also the area with the warmest climate thanks to the constant gentle winds coming from the south. Mountagna and Mazzon represent two very famous sites for wine but it is the town of Tramin and its Gewurz grapes that are truly unmatched.

(Schiava, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Gewurztraminer)

This is a sub-region quite famous for its castles and noble estates that arise around Appiano and Caldaro. The vineyards here run from 300 to 700 metres above sea level and they are well known for producing crisp white wines, but next to Appiano we found an incredible estate with a beautiful wine resort called Stroblhof. Working mainly with Pinot Noir, in just a few years it has reached the highest levels of winemaking.

(Schiava, Lagrein, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc)

This area lies in a very sunny valley with planting altitudes that reach more than 900 metres above sea level. Close to the capital are expressions of both old and modern grape varieties, Schiava and Lagrein, which are very popular internationally.

(Sauvignon, Pinot Blanc, Schiava, Lagrein)

Characterized by dry land, vineyards with very deep roots and a very ancient wine culture, here you can find three of the most important and famous communes known for making wines with minerality: Terlano, Adriano and Nals.

(Schiava, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc)

Historically a town famous from a touristic point of view, Merano was also able to establish itself for its wines, produced in sandy soils less than 800 metres above sea level. The DOC Alto Adige Merano is focused on the Schiava grape and its almost undetectable tannins, but the area has become even more famous for the incredible results achieved with Merlot and Pinot Noir.

(Muller Thurgau, Sylvaner, Kerner, Gewurztraminer)

This area is the most northern wine region of Italy and also one of the oldest. It is home to the famous winery Abbazia di Novacella, which has been making wine expertly since 1142. The local soils create powerful and structured wines with a rare but extremely refined minerality and freshness.

(Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Nero, Schiava)

This area is famous for its apple orchards and an extremely dry alpine climate. From its sandy soils, the wines take on very unique and elegant characteristics.

Must try:

Traditional: Cantina Tramin – Gewurztraminer Nusbaumer Alto Adige DOC

New wave: Pacherhof – Gewurztraminer Val D'Isarco DOC

Must try:

Traditional: Abbey of Neustift – Riesling Riserva Praepositus

New wave: Falkenstein – Riesling Val Venosta DOC

Must try:

Traditional: Franz Haas – Moscato Rosa Alto Adige DOC

New wave: Elena Walch – Moscato Rosa Alto Adige DOC