Alto Adige, the northernmost part of Italy, is home to the highest vineyards in Europe – their altitude reaches 1100 meters. This great height helps preserve the acidity and freshness of the grapes, resulting in Italian red wines in the cold climate having a distinctive taste. This German-speaking region tends to use many international grape varieties, and there are not as many DOC rules here as in the rest of Italy.
Lagrein
Lagrein is a red grape that grows in Alto Adige, and it is a true explosion of high acidity and tannins. It is used to make red Lagrein Scuro (also known by its German name Lagrein Dunkel) and aromatic rosé Lagrein Rosato (Lagrein Kretzer). One of the most surprising features of the red version is that it has a fantastic taste when slightly chilled.
What does Lagrein taste like? It has a lot of crisp acidity to make your mouth water, with notes of raspberry, red plum, freshly ground pepper, and coffee.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer with its wonderful aroma is one of the most characteristic wines of Alto Adige. With its natural pink hue, it has a deep golden color and an aroma that simply bursts from the glass. Gewürztraminer is the perfect antidote to the crisp and dry white wines of Italy. Gewürztraminer has a smooth, almost oily texture due to its low acidity.
What does Italian Gewürztraminer taste like? The wine’s light sweetness is only enhanced by its natural aromas of juicy notes of lychee, rose petals, and a hint of ginger.
Pinot Blanc
Weissburgunder – or Pinot Blanc – is a grape variety that grows on the high-altitude vineyards of Alto Adige. With its relatively low acidity, it produces wines with a rounded texture. It has a delicate flavor, and it is a fantastic everyday option.
What does Italian Pinot Blanc taste like? Light and delicate, it has the flavor of crisp green apple, juicy pear, and bright lemon. With some aging, notes of hay and roasted nuts may develop.
Pinot Noir
The classic Burgundy grape variety Pinot Noir has found a new home in the high vineyards of Alto Adige. Here it is called Pinot Nero. This light red wine is known worldwide for its delicate aroma of red fruits.
What does Italian Pinot Noir taste like? Pinot Nero from Alto Adige is filled with aromas of purple and red berries, complemented by hints of Christmas spices and floral notes of violet.
