Alto Adige
Alto Adige, also known as South Tyrol , is one of Italy's most refined and mountainous wine regions. Thanks to its high altitude, cool nights, and exceptionally clean Alpine air, elegant, aromatic, and mineral-driven wines are produced here. The region is famous for its crisp whites such as Pinot Grigio , Gewürztraminer , and Sauvignon Blanc , as well as refined reds from Pinot Noir (also known as Pinot Nero) and Lagrein .
Alto Adige, also known as South Tyrol , is one of Italy's most refined and mountainous wine regions.
Read moreWhat is Alto Adige?
Alto Adige is a wine region in the far north of Italy , where Alpine influences meet Mediterranean sunshine. The region is known for precise, aromatic, and elegant wine styles with a perfect balance of freshness and ripeness. The combination of altitude, cool climate, and diverse soils makes Alto Adige one of the highest-quality white wine regions in Europe.
Origin and vineyards
The vineyards are situated at altitudes of 200 meters to sometimes over 1,000 meters. Steep terraces, mountain breezes, and cool nights produce slow-ripening grapes with exceptional aromatic tension.
Key features of Alto Adige:
- Alpine climate with warm days and cool nights
- Aromatic precision thanks to slow maturation
- Lime, porphyry and granite as mineral soil types
- Terraced vineyards with optimal sun exposure
- Great diversity due to sub-valleys and elevation differences
Main subzones:
- Isarco Valley
- Oltradige
- Val Venosta
- Bassa Atesina
Styles and vinification
Alto Adige produces both white and red wines, but white wines dominate due to their freshness and aromatic power.
White wines
• Pinot Grigio – pure, fresh, mineral
• Gewürztraminer – aromatic, rose, lychee
• Sauvignon Blanc – crisp, spicy, alpine
• Pinot Bianco (Weissburgunder) – elegant, subtle, refined
• Chardonnay – fresh to lightly wood-matured
Red wines
• Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder / Pinot Nero) – elegant, red fruit, mountainous freshness
• Lagrein – powerful, dark fruit, soft tannins
• Schiava (Vernatsch) – light, smooth, aromatic
Why are Alto Adige wines so fresh and aromatic? Because the high altitude and cool nights allow the grapes to ripen slowly, intensifying the aromas while preserving the beautifully intact acidity.
Storage and serving
Storage potential:
• Aromatic white wines: 2–5 years
• Pinot Noir: 3–7 years
• Lagrein: 4–8 years
Serving temperature:
• White wine: 8–10 degrees
• Light red wine: 12–14 degrees
• Lagrain and fuller styles: 15–17 degrees
Buy Alto Adige wine at Perfectewijn.nl
At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Alto Adige wines with the signature combination of freshness, elegance, and pure mountain aromas. From mineral Pinot Grigio to aromatic Gewürztraminer and refined Pinot Noir, Alto Adige offers wines perfect for lovers of fresh, precise, and expressive styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alto Adige most known for?
For aromatic, fresh white wines and elegant red styles with alpine character.
Why is Alto Adige so suitable for aromatic grapes?
The high altitude and cool nights keep aromas intense and acids vibrant.
Which grape varieties dominate in Alto Adige?
Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Noir.
What makes the soils in Alto Adige unique?
A mix of limestone, porphyry, and granite that gives tension and minerality to the wines.
Is Alto Adige a good wine-storing region?
Yes, Pinot Noir and Lagrein in particular have surprisingly good aging potential.