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 low acidity and a slightly oily texture.
Pinot Bianco (Weißburgunder) produces light-bodied, crisp wines with subtle flavors of apple, pear, and sometimes mineral notes. It's often used in blends and can produce high-quality sparkling wines.
Chardonnay is an internationally renowned and versatile white wine grape variety known for its ability to adapt to various climates and winemaking styles. Chardonnay can produce wines ranging from crisp and unoaked to rich and buttery, depending on the winemaking techniques used. In Südtirol, most are made in a lighter-style, but some may be produced used large, old oak barrel.
Sauvignon Blanc is known for producing crisp, aromatic wines with high acidity. Typical flavors include grass, green bell pepper, tropical fruits, and sometimes mineral or flinty notes.
Sylvaner typically produces light-bodied, crisp wines with subtle flavors of apple, pear, and sometimes herbal notes.
Kerner is a cross between Trollinger and Riesling grapes, known for aromatic, fruity wines.
Müller-Thurgau is a cross between the Riesling and Madeleine Royale grapes, and produces light, aromatic wines.
Riesling creates highly aromatic variety capable of producing wines ranging from bone-dry to very sweet, with high acidity and complex flavor profiles. Notes of bruised apple and petrol are common distinctions of Riesling wines, particularly ones with more aging.
Grüner Veltliner while mostly planted in Austria, its homeland, Grüner Veltliner produces crisp wines with notes of white pepper and green vegetables when young, but can become rich and full-bodied with aging and resemble Riesling in depth and quality, with notes of honeysuckle and baked apple.
Alto Adige white wines are known for their freshness and aromatics balanced by elegance and finesse from the cool, high-altitude climate. These climatic conditions and winemaking traditions typically lead to mineral-driven tension and impressive aging potential for top bottlings. The region's varied soils and microclimates, ranging from almost Mediterranean in the south to windy, steep slopes in the north, contribute to the wines' unique expressions. Many producers focus on stainless steel or neutral oak aging to preserve the wines' freshness and varietal character.
Alto Adige white wines pair well with a variety of dishes, including light starters, a range of cheeses, white fish and seafood, asparagus, and also make excellent aperitifs.
Schlutzkrapfen, similar to ravioli but made with rye flower and filled with spinach and ricotta, are a perfect pairing alongside a glass of Sylvaner or Pinot Bianco.
Puzzone di Moena (literally translating to "stinker from Moena") is a semi-hard cheese made from raw cow's milk which comes from the Fassa and Fiemme valleys in the north-east of the province of Trento, as well as from Primör, which borders the Fiemme valley to the southeast, and from the two South Tyrolean municipalities of Anterivo and Truden. This cheese, while giving off a strong scent, is a rich and delicious cheese with official protected origin status (P.D.O.) and pairs wonderfully with a glass of Gewürztraminer!
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