The Basics of the Alto Adige Wine Region

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 Schiava. Lagrein is an autochthonous grape, meaning it is native to the region.. Schiava is also called "Vernatsch." Cabernet and Merlot are also planted in the region, covering around 6% of vineyards.

There are approximately 274 wineries currently operating in the Alto Adige region.

The vineyards also lay at a comparatively high altitude, reaching up to 1,200 meters above sea level.