Diversity and contrasts shape the wine region of South Tyrol. The variety of incomparable mountain wines in different colors and styles delights connoisseurs and enthusiasts around the world year after year.
The appealing contrasts that characterize the wine country of South Tyrol arise from two factors: nature on one side and culture on the other.
The landscape is shaped by mountains and valleys, which also influence the climate. High mountains in the north act like a wall, shielding South Tyrol from cold air. To the south, the land is open, allowing mild air from the Mediterranean region to flow in. South Tyrol's winemakers know how to utilize this gift of nature and cultivate their vineyards up to over 1,000 meters in sunny locations.
Furthermore, nature in South Tyrol offers a variety of different soils, whose origins date back to the formation of the Alps. They sustainably shape the terroir. The wine-growing region is manageable and measures just 90 kilometers from north to south. The vineyard area covers 5,800 hectares, managed by around 4,800 winemakers.
Tiberio Sorvillo
Culturally, the heart of the Alps lies at the intersection of the Germanic and Romance language and cultural areas. South Tyrol has always drawn inspiration from both, and thus the best of two worlds flows into the wines: the craftsmanship, precision, and reliability from the north as well as the charm, art of living, and wine tradition from the south.
The diverse mountain wines reflect their grape variety as well as their terroir. In South Tyrol, around two dozen grape varieties are cultivated, and the locations vary significantly. They range from rugged, well-ventilated vineyards on the steep slopes of Vinschgau or Eisacktal to Mediterranean-like, sun-drenched, mild vineyards in the south, such as in the Bolzano basin, Überetsch, or Unterland.
It is no wonder that South Tyrol offers the entire range of wine types: from primarily fruity varietal wines and demanding top-quality wines to impressive sweet wines and sparkling wines. Combined with a consistent quality policy, this variety ensures that South Tyrol has worked its way to the top of viticulture – as confirmed by the most important wine guides.
Alex Filz
South Tyrol's winemakers and cellar masters have worked hard for decades to gain the attention of the wine world. Every detail has been scrutinized and aimed at achieving the highest possible quality. This starts with the choice of varieties, which is now optimally adapted to the respective location.
In this process, the variety of varieties has fundamentally changed. The once Vernatsch-dominated wine country now produces white wines on two-thirds of the vineyard area. This is particularly due to the expansion of vineyards in higher locations and more northern areas. The most important white varieties are Weißburgunder, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio. Among the red grapes, Blauburgunder and Lagrein play a significant role. At the same time, Vernatsch remains important, especially as the demand for light, lively red wines is increasing again.
The most important success factors for South Tyrolean winemakers are manual labor, centuries of experience, community, and innovative spirit. Most vineyards can only be cultivated without mechanical assistance. The history of many wineries spans several generations. A sense of tradition, long-term thinking and acting, as well as openness to innovations shape the people. The winemakers are deeply rooted in their homeland, and often the whole family is involved in the operation. The approximately 150-year-old cooperative system forms a strong cultural and economic force.
Tiberio Sorvillo
The largest wine-growing community in South Tyrol is Eppan, which together with Kaltern and Lake Kaltern forms the heart of the wine region. Here, Vernatsch, Weißburgunder, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc thrive. Gewürztraminer derives its name from Tramin.
In the mild south between Kurtatsch and Salurn, late-ripening varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon predominate, while in the hillside areas around Montan, Blauburgunder is primarily at home.
The area in and around the state capital Bolzano is known for St. Magdalener, which mainly grows on the hill of the same name and is considered a particularly noble Vernatsch. In the southwestern district of Gries, the strongest Lagrein Crus grow on easily warming alluvial soils with a lot of sand and gravel.
The grape variety spectrum in the Merano area is characterized by Vernatsch, Blau- and Weißburgunder, as well as Sauvignon Blanc. The soils of red porphyry sandstone, which dominate the Etschtal between Merano and Bolzano, produce top-quality white wines with a mineral character.
The Vinschgau in the northwest is a relatively dry valley due to its east-west orientation, where Riesling, as well as white and Blauburgunder, are mainly cultivated. The Eisacktal in the north is a stronghold of white wines made from Kerner, Sylvaner, or Müller-Thurgau.
The sign on the capsule head stands for protected origin and the associated characteristics. Only South Tyrolean wines with a protected designation of origin (DOC = Denominazione di Origine Controllata) may bear the sign. The reason many producers choose to use it is clear: A glance is enough, and wine connoisseurs know that they have a high-quality drop in front of them, created in South Tyrol according to the strict regulations of the DOC system. Thus, many benefit collectively from the hard work and quality aspirations of individual winemakers, cooperatives, and wineries.
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