Alto Adige

The Protected Designation of Origin "Alto Adige" includes a wide range of wines (white, red, rosé, spumante, passiti, vendemmia tardiva) whose exhaustive list can be found in the product specification. Many productions are made with an indication of the vine variety. There are also subzones.

Grapes

Wines in which only one grape variety is specified are composed of at least 85% of the corresponding blend, while those with two grape varieties must contain both, each for at least 15%. The white wine, on the other hand, even in the Passito version, must have Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and/or Pinot Grigio (up to 75%, alone or combined). Specifically, at least two of these varieties must be present, but none alone may exceed 70%. Finally, the remaining 25% can be used Müller Thurgau, Sauvignon, Riesling, Sylvaner, Traminer aromatic, Kerner (absolute or combined). Further details on the blend of the individual types are given in the specification.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

"Alto Adige" wines have a minimum total alcoholic strength by volume of 10% to 16% vol. The white wines have a straw yellow colour, with variable intensity and possible presence of greenish, greenish or golden reflections. The smell has a fine, gentle and ample bouquet, in some cases fruity and aromatic. The taste, on the other hand, is savoury, dry, harmonious, sometimes soft and medium sweet. Red wines, on the other hand, have a more or less intense ruby red aspect, with possible garnet or orange nuances. The bouquet of aromas is varied, fresh and harmonious, while the flavor is dry, velvety, full and slightly herbaceous. Finally, the rosés have more or less intense tones, with possible orange reflections. The smell is gentle, broad, composite and can be herbaceous in some cases, the taste is savory, fresh and slightly muscatel. Further characteristics, specific to each wine, are punctually indicated in the specification.

Grape production area

A small fraction of the "Alto Adige" wines are produced in the plains, the rest are in the medium hilly and hilly area.

Specificity and historical notes

Viticulture has always been a cornerstone of the South Tyrolean economy, and the link with the territory is therefore profound.