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White Wines from Alto Adige

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While globally more red wines are drank than white wines, 65 percent of wine production in Alto Adige is white wine. Here, I'll cover the major grape varietals used to produce white wines in Alto Adige, so pop a cork, pour a glass, and sit back to learn more! The region produces a diverse range of white wines. Pinot Grigio ( Grauburgunder ) wines are typically light-bodied, crisp, and refreshing with medium to medium-plus acidity. Flavor profiles often include notes of lime, green apple, peach, honey, and sometimes floral or saline characteristics. Italian Pinot Grigio is usually dry and known for its simplicity and brightness Gewürztraminer  is an aromatic white wine grape variety known for its distinctive spicy, floral aromas and full-bodied texture. While the search results don't provide specific information about Gewürztraminer, it's generally associated with intense aromas of lychee, rose petals, and tropical fruits. The wines can range from dry to sweet, often with l...

Red Wines from Alto Adige

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If statistics are to be believed, red wine is, for better or for worse, more popular than its brethren white and rosé wines. While these other types have risen in popularity over the past two decades, red wines are still the most consumed globally. Naturally, to contribute to this consumer need, Alto Adige produces numerous beautiful red wines! Alto Adige vineyards are primarily planted with white wine varietals, but 35 percent of the region is made up of red wine varietals, making it a meaningful segment of winemaking in the region. The region has two autochthonous (meaning they originated in the region) red grape varietals, Vernatsch and Lagrein. Vernatsch is also called Schiava, as well as Trollinger in Germany. Vernatsch typically has a light body and moderate tannins. Wines are typically floral, with notes of ripe cherry and almond. They are commonly drank young, without significant aging.   Lagrein typically producers bigger and bolder wines than Vernatsch, ...

The Basics of the Alto Adige Wine Region

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This post is made to provide the basics of the Alto Adige wine region. Alto Adige/Südtirol is in the far north-central part of Italy. The area is also referred to as Südtirol, or South Tyrol, which is the result of the German-speaking tradition of parts of the region.  The region overall is not large in terms of wine production, with approximately 13,000 acres of vineyards spread across 7 distinct growing sub-regions. The sub-regions of the region include: Colli di Bolzano, Lago di Coldaro, Meranese, Santa Maddalena, Terlano, Val Venosta, and Valle Isarco. Around 60% of the vineyards are dedicated to white wine varietals, with the remaining 40% to red wine varietals.  The primary white grape varietals planted include: Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc. Pinot Grigio is the most widely planted grape varietal in the region, covering approximately 12% of vineyard space. The primary red grape varietals planted include: Pinot Noir,  Lagrein, and Sch...

Welcome to the Alto Adige Wine Review

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Welcome to the Alto Adige Wine Review! I am a wine writer and reviewer who will use this site to discuss the wine region of Alto Adige (also called Südtirol). Alto Adige/Südtirol is located in Northern Italy, and provides a unique mix of Italian and Germanic viticultural and gastronomic cultures.  Alto Adige has over 98% of its winegrowing areas are protected under the denominazione di origine controllata (D.O.C.) regulations. The wine region is located within the southern Alps and Dolomites, growing grape varietals highlighted by Gewürztraminer, Lagrein, Müller-Thurgau, Riesling, Sylvaner, Gewürztraminer, and Vernatsch. I am always happy to hear thoughts and comments from the community, as I hope to evoke the essence and shared joy of this community! Cheers, Saluti, and Prost!