This summer I visited a number of wine estates in the Alto Adige, in the Italian (but mainly German-speaking) South Tyrol. A wine region that appeals to me because of its special location and, of course, because it is not yet so well known in the Netherlands.
The Alto Adige is Italy’s northernmost wine region. It is situated in the very north of Italy, near the Austrian border and it has a definite German/Austrian touch. At the flat we rented, we were welcomed by a friendly owner… in lederhosen. This area used to be part of Austria and is officially bilingual. This is sometimes confusing, as names of villages (and wine producers) can be quite different in Italian than in German. Around the Adige river valley – near the city of Bolzano – there are many fruit growers. And therefore also wine producers. The vineyards can be found in the valley, but also on mountain slopes up to 1,000 metres high.
We drove part of the Süd Tiroler Weinstrasse and visited wineries in Cornaiano, San Paolo and Parcines, among others. There were some nice surprises among them. The Pfefferer Pink Rosé from Kellerei Schreckbichl Colterenzio scores well in many lists for good reason. I myself was particularly curious about the wines from Kellerei St Pauls. Because of the name, the Cuvée Paul seemed a nice house wine to me. Unfortunately, it was a bit disappointing, but I couldn’t resist taking home a box anyway.
There are more reasons to visit this area. Nature is beautiful and the towns are immensely worthwhile. I was particularly impressed by Meran/Merano, where you can stroll indoors even when it rains.