What grape varietal is currently the most widely-grown white variety in Alto Adige?
Located in northern Italy, nestled between Austria and Switzerland, Alto Adige [known also by its German name Südtirol ] is one of the most beautiful wine regions in Europe. The magic of the Alto Adige region is experienced even before arrival. Daytime flights into the capital city of Bolzano offer sweeping vistas of the colossal snow-peaked Dolomites and the Alps, along with views of green farmland below, and the glistening River Isarco, snaking through the valley. Dotted with castles, Alto Adige is reminiscent of a fairytale wine region.
Alto Adige is also one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Europe; archeological evidence points as far back as the fifth century B.C. Fast-forward in history, Alto Adige was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until it was annexed by Italy after World War I; hence both Italian and German are spoken here. The signs for local towns and villages bear names in both languages, and wine labels are often bi-lingual.
About a third of the size of Napa Valley, Alto Adige is a small winegrowing region that accounts for just 1% of Italy’s total production. The area gets more than 300 days of sunshine, has an Alpine-Continental climate with warm days and cool nights – perfect for grape cultivation. The wines from Alto Adige are best described as “mountain wines” – vineyard sites range from 600 feet to a dizzying 3,300 feet above sea level. The soils span volcanic porphyry, quartz, mica, limestone and sandy marl.
Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige displays aromas of delicate white flowers and have a distinct mineral quality characteristic of the region. It’s a medium-bodied white wine that tickles the palate with a clean acidity, and shows different characteristics depending upon its zone of cultivation. The spectrum in Alto Adige ranges from lean, fresh wines in the Val Venosta to the bright, richer versions from Bolzano and the Oltradige. Pinot Grigio is currently the most widely-grown white variety in Alto Adige.
Staff Notes
Pale in color, on the noise herbal tones that carried a fennel like quality. Light aromatic of white flowers, and green apple. Through the palate a delightful stream of honey upfront followed by a creamy rich mid palate of salty fruit. It finishes on your palate dry and refreshing. Santa Silvana is the perfect summer wine.
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