Alto Adige

Introduction

Alto Adige, in Italy's northernmost tip bordering Austria, blends Italian and Germanic winemaking traditions into wines of exceptional precision. German is the first language for much of the local population, and many wine labels appear in both Italian and German — a reflection of the region's unique cultural position.

Terroir and Winemaking

High-altitude vineyards, some planted above 900 meters, combined with intense alpine sunlight and cool nights, preserve aromatic freshness across an unusually wide range of varieties. Pinot Grigio reaches a richer, more textured expression here than in the flatlands further south, while Gewürztraminer — named for the local village of Tramin — produces opulent, spicy whites considered among Italy's finest. Lagrein and Schiava are the region's signature reds, offering deep color and dark fruit character in Lagrein's case, and lighter, more approachable style in Schiava.