Trentino Alto Adige, Italy wine region
Welcome to the Trentino Alto Adige wine region, where centuries of winemaking tradition meet modern innovation. Nestled in the picturesque Alpine foothills, our partnered vineyards enjoy a unique microclimate that allow them to produce wines of exceptional quality and complexity.
From crisp white wines to bold reds, these wines are a true reflection of the terroir they come from. With a wide variety of grape varieties and styles, there’s something for every palate. Experience the tradition and passion of Trentino Alto Adige wines today.
- Alpine: Majestic mountains and scenic landscapes.
- Multicultural: Blend of Italian and Austrian influences.
- Outdoor-oriented: Hiking, skiing, and adventure activities.
Trentino Alto Adige wine map
Trentino Alto Adige is a wine region located in the northeastern corner of Italy, near the Austrian and Swiss borders. The region is known for its diverse landscape and challenging growing conditions, which result in a wide range of unique and high-quality wines. The area is divided into two main regions, Trentino and Alto Adige, each with its own distinct terroir and wine-making traditions.
Trentino is known for its crisp and refreshing white wines, such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Müller Thurgau, as well as for its red wines, like Teroldego and Marzemino.
Alto Adige is particularly famous for its white wines, such as Gewürztraminer, Pinot Bianco, and Moscato Rosa. These wines are known for their intense aromas and flavors, and are often aged in large oak casks. The region is also home to some of Italy’s most highly-regarded red wines, such as Lagrein and Schiava, which are known for their complex aromas and flavors.
The region’s winemakers have also embraced modern winemaking techniques, which have greatly improved the quality and reputation of the wines.
Cities to visit in Trentino Alto Adige wine region
The Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region in Italy is home to several popular cities that offer a variety of tourist attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities. Here are a few popular cities to consider visiting in the region:
Trento: The capital of Trentino, Trento is a charming city with a rich history and cultural heritage. It is located at the foot of the Dolomites and offers a variety of tourist attractions, including the Castello del Buonconsiglio, Piazza del Duomo, and the MUSE Science Museum. It is also a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Bolzano: The capital of the Alto Adige, Bolzano is a lively city with a mix of Italian and German cultures. It is located in the heart of the Dolomites and offers a variety of tourist attractions, including the Südtirol Museum of Archaeology, the Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Piazza Walther. It is also a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Merano: A popular spa town, Merano is known for its mild climate and beautiful gardens. It is located in the southern part of the region and offers a variety of tourist attractions, including the Castel Trauttmansdorff, the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff, and the Merano Thermal Baths.
Canazei: A picturesque mountain village, Canazei is located in the heart of the Dolomites and is a popular destination for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. It is also home to the Marmolada Glacier, the largest glacier in the Dolomites.
Riva del Garda: A popular lakeside town, Riva del Garda is located on the shores of Lake Garda and offers a variety of tourist attractions, including the Limone sul Garda, the Castello di Arco and the Vittoriale degli Italiani. It is also a great base for exploring the surrounding mountains and lakes.
Unique places to visit in the Trentino Alto Adige wine region
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and a popular destination for water sports, swimming, and boat tours. It is located in Northern Italy, between the regions of Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Veneto. The lake is surrounded by beautiful mountains and picturesque towns, and it is also home to several historic villas and gardens. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the lake and visit towns like Sirmione, Peschiera, and Bardolino, or take a dip in the lake’s warm waters.
Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mountain range located in Northeastern Italy and they are known for their distinctive pink and orange rock formations. The range is popular for hiking and skiing, and it is home to several ski resorts, such as the famous Sella Ronda ski circuit. The Dolomites are also home to several natural parks, such as the Puez-Odle and Fanes-Sennes-Braies, where visitors can explore the range’s unique landscapes and wildlife.
Bolzano
Bolzano is the largest city in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and it is known for its well-preserved medieval center and the South Tyrolean Museum of Archaeology, which houses the famous Iceman mummy, also known as Ötzi. The city is also home to several other museums and galleries, as well as beautiful churches and historic buildings. Visitors can also explore the city’s charming old town and sample the local cuisine.
Merano
Merano is a spa town located in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and it is known for its thermal baths and gardens. The town is also home to several historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Merano Castle and the St. Nicholas Church. Visitors can also explore the town’s charming old town and sample the local cuisine.
Trento
Trento is the capital of the Trentino region and it is known for its historical and cultural significance. The city is home to several museums, such as the Museum of Science and the Trento War Museum, as well as beautiful churches and historic buildings. Visitors can also explore the city’s charming old town and sample the local cuisine.
Val di Funes
Val di Funes is a picturesque valley located in the Dolomites and it is known for its traditional farmhouses and churches. The valley is also home to several hiking trails and it offers beautiful views of the Dolomites. Visitors can also sample the local cuisine and visit the valley’s charming villages.
Val di Non
Val di Non is an apple-growing valley located in the Dolomites and it is known for its picturesque villages, traditional crafts, and delicious local cuisine. The valley is also home to several hiking trails and it offers beautiful views of the Dolomites. Visitors can also sample the local apple products and visit the valley’s charming villages.
Lago di Tovel
Lago di Tovel is a mountain lake located in the Val di Non and it is surrounded by beautiful hiking trails. The lake is also a perfect spot for a summer swim. Visitors can also explore the lake’s surrounding villages and sample the local cuisine.
Stelvio National Park
Stelvio National Park is one of the largest national parks in Italy and it is known for its spectacular Alpine landscapes, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities. The park is home to several peaks, such as the Ortler, and it is also home to several
Best wineries to visit in Trentino Alto Adige
Popular wines of Trentino Alto Adige
This stunning region is known for its world-class wines, made from a variety of indigenous and international grape varieties. Here are some of the best types of wines to taste in Trentino Alto Adige, and why they are worth seeking out:
Pinot Grigio – One of the most famous wines of Trentino Alto Adige, thanks to the region’s cool climate and high-altitude vineyards. The wine is crisp, refreshing, and easy to drink, with notes of citrus and green apple. It pairs well with a wide range of dishes, from seafood to white meat.
Gewürztraminer – An aromatic white wine that is unique to Trentino Alto Adige. The wine has a heady perfume of rose petals, lychee, and spice, with a rich, full-bodied palate. It’s a great match for spicy Asian cuisine and rich, flavorful cheeses.
Lagrein – A red wine that is native to Trentino Alto Adige. The wine is dark and full-bodied, with flavors of black fruit, chocolate, and spices. It’s an excellent match for hearty meat dishes and stews.
Teroldego – Another red grape variety that is native to Trentino Alto Adige. The wine is deep and intense, with flavors of blackberry, plum, and tobacco. It pairs well with rich pasta dishes and roasted meats.
Moscato Giallo – A sweet dessert wine that is made from the Moscato grape. The wine is golden in color and has notes of honey, apricot, and citrus. It’s the perfect wine to pair with a slice of cake or a cheese plate at the end of a meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just starting to explore the world of wine, Trentino Alto Adige has something for everyone. From crisp and refreshing whites to rich and full-bodied reds, this region is a wine lover’s paradise.
About Trentino Alto Adige Wines: Types & Characteristics
The Trentino Alto Adige wine region is known for producing a wide range of wine styles and categories, including:
The Trentino Alto Adige wine region is known for producing a wide range of wine styles, including both white and red wines.
Some of the most notable types or categories of wine produced in the region include:
- White wines: The region is particularly known for its white wines, such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Müller Thurgau, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Bianco, and Moscato Rosa. These wines are known for their crisp acidity, intense aromas, and complex flavors.
- Red wines: The region also produces a variety of red wines, such as Teroldego, Marzemino, Lagrein, and Schiava. These wines are known for their complex aromas and flavors, and are often aged in oak casks.
- Sparkling wines: The region also produces a variety of sparkling wines, such as Trento DOC and Moscato Rosa Spumante, which are made using the traditional method.
- Fortified wines: The region also produces a few fortified wines, such as Vernatsch and Moscato Rosa Liquoroso, which are made by adding alcohol to the grape must before fermentation is completed.
The Trentino Alto Adige wine region offers a wide range of wine styles, from light and crisp white wines to full-bodied and complex red wines, offering a robust selection of delectable libations to wet the palate and delight the senses.
Appellations of the Trentino Alto Adige wine region
The Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol wine region is divided into several sub-regions and appellations, each with its own unique characteristics and wine styles.
Some of the most famous sub-regions and appellations in the region include:
Trentino: This sub-region is known for its production of crisp, minerally white wines such as Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, as well as red wines such as Teroldego and Marzemino. The sub-region is home to several DOCs, such as Trentino DOC, Trentino Superiore DOC, and Trentino Riserva DOC.
Alto Adige/Südtirol: This sub-region is known for its production of high-quality white wines, such as Pinot Bianco, Gewürztraminer, and Moscato Rosa, as well as red wines such as Lagrein and Pinot Nero. The sub-region is home to several DOCs, such as Alto Adige DOC and Alto Adige Valle Isarco DOC.
Terlano: This is a small area located in the northern part of Alto Adige, it is known for its production of white wines such as Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as red wines such as Lagrein and Pinot Nero. The area is home to the Terlano DOC.
Vigneti delle Dolomiti: This is a newly created DOC that covers wines from the Dolomites region, it is a blend of different grape varieties like Lagrein, Schiava, and Teroldego, and it is known for its quality and terroir.
Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol DOC: This is the name given to wines that are produced using grapes grown in both the Trentino and Alto Adige/Südtirol regions. These wines must meet specific production requirements and are considered to be of high quality.
Trento DOC: The Trento DOC is a denomination for sparkling wines produced in the region of Trentino, it is known for its high-quality sparkling wines that are made using the traditional method, which is the same method used to produce Champagne.
Trentino Alto Adige Wine Taste Notes & Flavors
The region produces both white and red wines, with the most notable varieties being Pinot Grigio, Pinot Nero, Gewürztraminer, and Moscato.
Trentino Alto Adige White Wines
The white wines of Trentino Alto Adige are known for their crisp acidity, minerality, and floral aromas. They are often dry and medium-bodied, with flavors of green apples, pears, and citrus. Pinot Grigio is the most widely planted white grape in the region and produces wines that are particularly light and refreshing.
Trentino Alto Adige Red Wines
The red wines of Trentino Alto Adige are typically made from the Pinot Nero grape and are known for their delicate fruit flavors, low tannins, and high acidity. They are generally light-bodied and can be quite elegant, with notes of red berries, cherries, and spices.
Overall, the wines of Trentino Alto Adige are known for their freshness and complexity, with a focus on balance and elegance over power and extraction. They are ideal for pairing with light dishes such as fish, white meats, and salads.
Grape Varieties of Trentino Alto Adige wines
The region is home to a diverse range of grape varieties, which are used to produce a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines.
Trentino Alto Adige is known for its diverse range of grape varieties that lend the region’s wines their unique and distinctive style.
Some of the main grape varieties grown in Trentino Alto Adige that contribute to the region’s white wine production are:
Pinot Grigio: The most widely planted white grape in the region, it produces light and refreshing wines with flavors of green apples, pears, and citrus.
Gewürztraminer: A grape variety known for its intense floral and spicy aromas. Gewürztraminer wines from Trentino Alto Adige are known for their rich and complex aromas and flavors of lychees, rose petals, and ginger.
Moscato: Grown in the region’s cooler areas, Moscato wines are known for their aromatic profile, low alcohol content, and good acidity
Chardonnay: It is also grown in the region, it produces wines with a good acidity, minerality, and freshness.
Pinot Nero: This grape variety produces red wines that are known for their delicate fruit flavors, low tannins, and high acidity, They are generally light-bodied with notes of red berries, cherries, and spices.
Other Notable Grape Varieties in the Region
In addition to the grape varieties mentioned above, Trentino Alto Adige is also home to some unique and indigenous grape varieties that are specific to the region and contribute to the distinctiveness of its wines.
One such grape variety is Schiava, also known as Vernatsch, which is grown primarily in the South Tyrol area of Trentino Alto Adige. Schiava is a red grape variety that produces light-bodied and fruity wines with low tannins and high acidity. They are often enjoyed as a refreshing and easy-drinking wine, and can have notes of red berries, cherries, and sometimes a slight hint of spices.
Another unique grape variety of the region is Nosiola, grown mainly in Trento area of Trentino Alto Adige. Nosiola is a white grape variety that is used to produce elegant and complex white wines with flavors of apples, pears, and apricots, and a distinct minerality.
Other grape varieties grown in the region, although less commonly, include: Teroldego, Lagrein, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trentino Alto Adige wine region
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Where Is the Trentino Alto Adige Wine Region Located?The Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol wine region is located in the northernmost part of Italy, in the autonomous regions of Trentino and Alto Adige/Südtirol. The region is bordered by Austria to the north and Switzerland to the west. The region is known for its diverse and high-quality wines, which are produced in a variety of styles and from a wide range of grape varieties. The region is famous for its production of crisp, minerally white wines such as Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay and red wines such as Lagrein and Pinot Nero. The region is also home to several traditional winemaking techniques, such as the production of ice wine and the use of large wooden casks for aging.
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What is the capital city of the Trentino Alto Adige region?The capital city of the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region in Italy is Trento. Trento is a city located in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region in Northern Italy. It is the capital of the Trentino province and is situated at the confluence of the Adige and Brenta rivers. With a population of around 120,000, Trento is a picturesque medieval city that is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings. The city center is home to many historic buildings, including the Cathedral of San Vigilio, the Castello del Buonconsiglio, and the Piazza del Duomo. Trento is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and cycling, thanks to its proximity to the Dolomite mountains and the Adige river. It is also a major center of education and research, with several prestigious universities and research institutes located in the city.
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What is the best time to visit the Trentino Alto Adige region?The best time to visit the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region in Italy depends on your interests and the activities you want to do. Spring (April - May) is a great time to visit if you're interested in outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, as the weather is mild and the landscape is lush and green. The summer months (June - August) are ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and sunbathing. Fall (September - November) is also a great time to visit, as the weather is still mild and the landscape is adorned with the vibrant colors of autumn. It's also a good time for wine tasting and visiting the vineyards. Winter (December - March) is popular with skiers and snowboarders, as the region is home to several ski resorts, including the Dolomiti Superski area, which offers some of the best skiing in Europe. The Christmas markets are also a must-see during this time of the year. Overall, the region can be visited all year round, as every season offers something different. It's best to check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly.
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How do I get to the Trentino Alto Adige region?There are several ways to get to the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region in Italy, depending on your location and mode of transportation. By plane: The closest major airports to the region are Verona Villafranca Airport, which is located about 62 miles from Trento, and Innsbruck Airport in Austria, which is located about 55 miles from Bolzano. From there, you can take a bus or train to reach your destination. By train: The region is well connected by train, with several trains running daily from major cities such as Milan, Venice, and Rome. Trento and Bolzano are the main railway hubs in the region, and from there you can take a local train to reach your destination. By car: The region is easily accessible by car, as it is well connected by major highways and roads. You can reach the region from other parts of Italy or from Austria, Switzerland, or Germany. By bus: Trento and Bolzano are well connected by bus, with regular services to and from many cities in Italy and Europe. It can be a good option for people traveling on a budget, but it might take longer than other forms of transportation. Once you are in the region, it is easy to get around by bus, train or by car, as it has a good infrastructure.