Trentino Alto Adige is situated in the very north of Italy bordering Austria and Switzerland, and is best known for the beauty of its peaks
Grapes
Most planted grape in Trentino are Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Lagrein followed by Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc in Alto Adige Germanic varieties such as Müller-Thurgau and Sylvaner reign supreme in some of the region's vineyards, in others the local Schiava grape holds sway.
Teroldego
Teroldego is a historically significant grape from Trentino which means “the gold of Tyrol.” It produces darkly colored wines with ripe red cherry, tar, fresh herb, and slightly vegetal aromas. Its bright acidity makes it a versatile food wine. Teroldego is also related to Syrah.
Schiava
Schiava makes light-bodied red wines with aromas of cotton candy, strawberry, bubblegum, and lemon candy. The wine is delicate and light in color. On the palate, the flavors are quite subtle and producers in Alto Adige will often make a dry style as to not overwhelm the palate with sweetness, which is already provided by the aromas. It is native to the South Tyrol area and has been cultivated since Roman times.
Nosiola
Nosiola is a versatile grape variety that, like few others, can deliver both pleasant dry white wine with crisp lemony zip, or complex sweet wines. The word derives from Nocciola, “hazelnut,” due to the color and also the nutty aromas that exude from the wine.
Lagrein
The word Lagrein has a Greek origin, “lagarinthos,” which means “hanging.” Lagrein wine has a very dark garnet color with subtle violet reflections, with aromas of black woodland berries like blackberry or bilberry, violets, hints of dark chocolate, and a mouth full of spiciness; completed by a long finish and velvety tannins. It is usually full bodied and tannic, but not heavy. Lagrein is a descendant of Teroldego, another Trentino variety, and is also related to Syrah and Pinot Noir.
Wines
The valley floors heat up very quickly on summer mornings, sending warm air up into the vineyard-lined slopes. This, coupled with the bright alpine sunshine, results in rich, ripe wine styles that one might not expect from such a cool, fresh region. Trentino the highest percentage of land producing DOC wines in Italy (80%). The cuisine perfectly match the wine production is a mountain cuisine, based on products produced and cultivated here: fruits grown in the valleys; wines and crops cultivated on hillside terraces; cows, goats and sheep raised in mountain pastures; trout from farms fed by glaciers; game and mushrooms from the many woodlands; pigs and milk from dairy cows are turned into a variety of cured meats and cheeses.
